Ai No Kusabi Fan Fiction ❯ The Final Decision ❯ Chapter Six ( Chapter 6 )

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Chapter Six

 

Faith is not trying to believe something because of the evidence; faith is daring to believe something regardless of the consequences”

 

- Sherwood Eddy

 

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Iason could not explain the strange feelings of trepidation that squeezed his heart as he stood outside Jupiter's inner sanctum, but they were strong enough to cause him to hesitate before the gently, pulsing, aquamarine doors. If he concentrated, he could vaguely recall standing in this very spot as her sanctuary burned with the crimson of her anger, but he couldn't - for the life of him - remember what had incurred such wrath.

 

Shaking his head, he cleared his thoughts and entered, taking his usual seat directly across from her brightly lit platform. For several moments, he simply stared, a bit confused, as Jupiter remained silent and unseen. Iason felt strangely vulnerable once more as he allowed his focus to slip and his thoughts to drift. What was going on? First his staff had acted in an unusual manner, then Heiku, and now Jupiter? He couldn't help but feel as though something profound and important were going on around him, and he had been purposefully left in the dark for an unknown reason.

 

“Welcome, Iason.”

 

Jupiter's sudden electronic voice snapped him back to attention, and he started almost violently in surprise when her holographic hands gently grasped his face.

 

“My apologies,” she droned mechanically, retreating to her platform. “It was not my intention to frighten you.”

 

Iason shook his head. “The fault is my own,” he said calmly, silently congratulating himself for maintaining his composure, though his insides churned painfully. “I apologize for my inattentiveness.”

 

“Then let us forgive one another and move on.”

 

Blinking in surprise, Iason nodded, and for some strange reason, he felt as though he had just been chastised though Jupiter's voice had remained as bland and hollow as ever. Since the day he had taken over the role as the Head of the Syndicate, not once had he ever failed to perform his duties to the best of his abilities. And yet, he felt a slight hum of disappointment emanating from the holographic image of Jupiter that he could not understand. Perhaps his recent illness was causing him to be slightly paranoid.

 

“Is something troubling you, Iason?” Though she was merely a holographic image, incapable of human expressions, Iason couldn't help but feel as though she were studying him intently.

 

“I am not certain,” he offered, crossing his legs and wishing he had a glass of wine to soothe his ragged nerves. “As of late, I have not been myself.”

 

“Lord Quiahtenon has informed me of your condition.” Jupiter's aura pulsed gently and took on a deeper shade of blue. “I trust you are recovering quickly?”

 

Iason nodded and managed a charming smile. “I am, and I appreciate your concern.”

 

Jupiter remained silent, studying her favored Blondie with interest. It was as though the last three years had vanished, and he was as he had been before the mongrel; completely loyal and devoted to her and her alone. She immediately began to regret her recent foray into experiencing complicated emotions as feelings of bitterness and jealousy rose within her. If she were a flesh and blood creature, she would have to admit that she missed Iason, and having him like he was now gave her a new perspective into the `love' he and his pet shared.

 

Iason's sharp intake of breath drew her attention back to him, and she was a bit startled by his expression of trepidation. It didn't take long to deduce what had distressed him, and she was more than a little disturbed that her thoughts had been reflected by her aura which now pulsed in a deep purple hue in her annoyance.

 

“I apologize,” she hummed softly, forcing her surroundings to project a soothing serenity she did not really feel. “I was…lost in thought.”

 

The Syndicate Head didn't know how to respond to such a strange statement, so he opted for a simple nod. If things became anymore bizarre, he might lose his mind. Clearing his thoughts, he sat up straight and folded his hands in his lap. “May I ask why you summoned me?”

 

Jupiter hummed once more. “You recently filed a petition to purchase another pet,” she answered.

 

“Yes,” Iason responded, feeling slightly confused. Why was Jupiter concerning herself with such trivial matters?

 

“Explain.”

 

His bewilderment grew. “I am afraid I do not understand,” he admitted.

 

“Why do you wish to purchase a new pet?”

 

He arched a brow and studied her thoughtfully. Jupiter had never before pried into his personal life, and he was at a loss as to why she would begin to. He was confused by her behavior as he silently wondered why the purchase of a pet would pique her curiosity. Though he was uneasy by the intrusion into his affairs, he saw no harm in answering her question. “I simply felt as though it were time to have one in my home once again.”

 

He shifted uncomfortably as he felt her holographic eyes on him. It was almost as though she were waiting for something; anticipating a certain answer from him, but for what, he couldn't say. It seemed that the more the thought about the strangeness that was going on around him, the more confused he became. And the headaches… He suffered from one nearly every night; the next more crippling than the one before.

 

“Something is troubling you,” she stated, rather than asked. “Do not hide anything from me, Iason. I wish to know what vexes you.”

 

Uncrossing and then re-crossing his legs in a show of discomfort, Iason sighed. “I trust Lord Quiahtenon informed you of the many holes in my memories,” he began softly.

 

“He has,” Jupiter confirmed. “Are you concerned that you will not be able to fulfill your duties as Head of the Syndicate?”

 

Iason opened his mouth to protest, but was unable to voice a suitable argument. Though it was not his main concern, it was one of them. Frustrated with his inability to voice his apprehension, he merely shrugged. At once, he felt a gentle, electrical current buffet his senses as Jupiter took hold of his face once more.

 

“There is nothing to fear, Iason,” she reassured him. “I am confident that your work will continue to be as flawless as ever.”

 

Iason gazed into her transparent features, trying to discern her complicated thoughts. He was so focused on her face that he failed to notice the slight shift of her aura as her holo-image fluctuated and reformed. Feeling something brush across his thigh, Iason gasped and leapt to his feet, immediately scrambling Jupiter's holographic body as he stumbled away from her touch.

 

“I-I apologize,” he stammered, clutching his cape in shock as he watched Jupiter reassemble her image atop her platform. He hadn't meant to act so hastily, but Jupiter's actions had stunned him to the very core. Not once in his entire life had she touched any part of him other than his face. If he had thought her capable of it, he would have to believe that she had just attempted to caress him; maybe even seduce him.

 

After several, tense moments, Jupiter hummed quietly. “Do I disgust you?” Her voice was hollow.

 

“Of course not,” he answered immediately, though he couldn't be certain of his true feelings.

 

Her aura pulsed lightly. “Then why did you react so violently to my touch?”

 

Struggling to maintain his composure, he slowly slid back into the chair. “I-I…” he stammered, at a complete loss for words as he unconsciously rubbed his tunic. Though he knew it would be terribly rude, he had the sudden urge to wrap his cloak around his body to hide it from view. Sensing that she was waiting for an answer, he forced himself to drop his hands into his lap and cross his legs. “I was…merely unprepared for it.”

 

“You are upset with me?” Jupiter asked.

 

Upset? Iason arched a brow thoughtfully as he searched his incomplete memories. Why would Jupiter wonder that? And what a strange thing for her to ask. Never before had she ever used words that could be interpreted to be an emotional response.

 

“I am not upset,” he answered, watching her carefully for any hint as to her intentions. “I must admit I am confused. I have never heard you speak in such a way before.”

 

Jupiter's aura pulsed gently, buffeting his skin with waves of electricity. To his astonishment, he watched as her holographic image darkened and became more defined. He had an irrational urge to flee when the new image of Jupiter fluidly stepped from her platform and approached him warily.

 

“For some time now, I have been working on a program to allow me a bit more freedom than was able to obtain before,” she answered softly. Though her body was less like a hologram, her voice still retained its electronic tone. “I hope to one day be able to walk among my children as a solid being.”

 

Iason's eyes roamed her unfamiliar form. “It is…different,” he said.

 

Beeps and chirps filled the air as Jupiter made an attempt to laugh. “Do you love me, Iason?”

 

If he hadn't been uncomfortable before, he certainly was now. Ever since he could remember, he had been taught to obey and honor Jupiter; to respect her wishes, give everything of himself, serve unquestioningly, and always put her welfare before anything else. He was so devoted to her that one could argue he loved her, in a way, as she loved him. However, as she was merely a computer, it was impossible for her to feel anything, let alone love. She could study, understand concepts, but she could never feel.

 

As though sensing his hesitation, Jupiter moved to chair next to him and sat down. “I find it difficult to express these outputs that you refer to as emotions.”

 

“I humbly beg your pardon,” Iason replied, “but if you have not felt emotions, it would be exceedingly difficult to express them accurately.”

 

“So you do not love me?” Jupiter tilted her head curiously.

 

Despite his discomfort, Iason blushed. “Do you love me?”

 

Jupiter hummed thoughtfully. “I have studied the emotion of love extensively, but you are correct when you say I have not experienced it for myself.” She rose and made her way back to her platform before turning to face him once more. “I can only say that I enjoy your presence, I wish for your health, safety, and happiness, and I prefer your company to all others. In my research, those attributes are often defined as love.”

 

Iason smiled. “You are most kind,” he answered, “but while you can list all the elements required to feel love, you do not actually feel it for me.”

 

“I do not believe that is true,” she argued softly. “I was hurt by your actions, Iason. How could you hurt me if I did not love you?”

 

Iason's eyes widened in confusion. “Hurt you? I apologize, but how -”

 

Almost at once, a bright flash of memory swept through him and he nearly slipped from his chair in agony at its intensity. Gasping, his breath was stolen from him as he felt the phantom whip brutally rip through his tender flesh. Though he knew he was merely recalling a memory, he could taste the bile and blood in his mouth, smell the sweat, and hear the roar in his ears as his body twitched with each bite of leather.

 

“Iason?” Jupiter's voice took on a higher pitch, which he interpreted as her concern for him.

 

Gasping, Iason sank from the chair to his knees and hung his head in both grief and shame. “You…you had me whipped?”

 

The question came out more as an accusation, though he had not intended for it to sound as such. Obviously, if he had been publicly whipped by Jupiter's orders, he had done something severe to deserve her wrath and punishment. It frustrated him to no end that he could not remember his terrible crime. At once, he felt her holographic hands upon his face, and the perspiration on his skin gave the contact a new dimension as the slight electricity tingled across his flesh.

 

“I was forced to punish you for your actions, Iason,” she replied, and he almost though she sounded sorrowful. “If I had not, it could have caused chaos in Amoi.”

 

“Chaos?” Iason repeated, as though he had not heard correctly.

 

“I punished you, but it hurt me to do so,” she said. “It hurt me that you forced my hand.”

 

He felt confusion at her vague statements, but he no longer had the strength to pry any further.

 

Releasing his face, Jupiter returned to her platform once more. “Let us not speak of the past,” she hummed quietly. “I have already forgiven you for your transgressions, and I no longer wish to reflect on such a dark period in our relationship.”

 

Nodding shakily, Iason moved and sat back in his chair. It was obvious Jupiter was not going to tell him what had happened, and truthfully, a part of him did not wish to know; at least at this point in time. So many disjointed thoughts and emotions were running rampant through him that he thought he might explode with the force of trying to contain it all.

 

“The reason I originally summoned you,” Jupiter said, reverting back to a business-like and familiar manner, “was to discuss your petition to purchase another pet.”

 

Iason nodded once more, not trusting his voice.

 

“I will approve your purchase, but under one condition.”

 

He waited silently.

 

“I wish to choose your next pet.”

 

Though she had gifted him with a pet once before, he had to admit that he was stunned by her offer. A feeling of suspicion and trepidation wormed through his chest, and it took a great deal of effort to keep his expression from betraying his annoyance at the situation.

 

“Is that acceptable?” Her voice was almost taunting, as though she were daring him to defy her.

 

“Of course,” he answered as calmly as he could. It was not as if he had much of a choice.

 

Apparently, Jupiter had more up her proverbial sleeve. “There are a few conditions to be met, Iason.”

 

“As you wish,” he answered, frowning slightly.

 

Jupiter hummed. “I wish to choose a male and a female for you, but they are not to be paired.”

 

Iason raised a brow in surprise. This was strange. “With each other or anyone else?”

 

“Neither,” she answered curtly. “They are for your pleasure only. If you disobey me, Iason, I will be most displeased.”

 

He nodded to show he understood.

 

Satisfied, Jupiter's aura pulsed a soothing aquamarine, and she hummed in approval. “You are dismissed. You may return to your penthouse. The pets will be delivered there before the end of the day.”

 

Rising, Iason offered her a deep bow. “You are most kind,” he said softly before turning to exit her sanctuary.

 

“Iason.”

 

He paused but did not turn around.

 

“Please remember what we have discussed,” she said softly. “I care for you deeply.”

 

Unable to come up with a suitable response, he merely bowed yet again, before disappearing out the door.

 

* * *

 

Hours later found Iason in his favorite chair by the fire, a glass of wine held forgotten in his hand as he gazed silently at the taming post in the great hall. Though he had meant to have it removed, something inside of him would not allow him to give the command. More and more the Blondie found his eyes wandered to that post, and his chest tightened every time he tried to bring to mind the reason it had been placed there.

 

Every day, more memories rose to the surface, but it seemed that several frustrating holes would not be filled so easily. There were many large gaps, great periods of time that were beyond his reach, and the more he concentrated on bringing them to the surface, the more he suffered the pain of another headache. Closing his eyes, he settled back in his chair and sighed.

 

“Master Iason?”

 

“Yes, Daryl,” he answered automatically. The sudden silence caused him to open his eyes and he felt a small flush of embarrassment at the sight of the blue-haired boy before him.

 

“I-I,” Toma stammered shakily, lowering his eyes to hide the hurt that burned within them. Unsure whether or not it was proper to correct his master, he merely bit his lip and quieted.

 

“Of course, Toma,” Iason replied. “You understand my memories still confuse my sense of time.” It was as close to an apology as he would give to the furniture.

 

Brightening a bit, Toma nodded and motioned toward the great hall. “I've come to inform you that your pets have arrived.”

 

Setting down his wine, Iason rose with a mixture of excitement and dread. “Please show them in,” he commanded softly, watching as the blue-haired furniture bowed deeply and quickly slipped down the hall. He took the time to compose himself, preparing for whatever Jupiter had finally decided upon. Moving back toward the fire, he turned and gazed into its hypnotic depths, watching the flames dance freely behind the thick glass as his insides churned.

 

At the sound of footsteps, Iason turned once more, his eyes widening in shock. Toma quickly arranged the two to stand before him, and bowing once more, he dismissed himself and disappeared from sight.

 

Iason turned his attention to the female first, barely able to contain his surprise as his eyes roamed over her scantily clad form. He could not recall having seen such a devastatingly beautiful woman in all his life. If her hair had been blonde rather than a dark shade of green, Iason would have believed Jupiter had captured an Amoian Elite to be his pet.

 

“What is your name?” he asked, his eyes moving over the thin silk wrap that left little of her tiny body to the imagination.

 

“Venus,” she replied in a light, musical voice.

 

Nodding, Iason moved to stand before the male. Unlike his counterpart, the male pet was tall and very well built, his musculature nearly matching the Blondie's himself. His skin was not pale like the female's, but rather an exotic golden color that contrasted perfectly with his lavender hair and eyes. Both pets were quite possibly the most attractive he had ever seen, and he couldn't help but wonder where Jupiter had obtained such specimens.

 

“What is your name?” he asked the male, walking around him to appreciate the view from the back of both his pets.

 

“Zeus,” the male answered, his deep and rich voice nearly sending a shiver down Iason's spine.

 

“Where are you both from?” He stood in their line of sight once more.

 

The male and female exchanged a confused look before training their attention to Iason once more.

 

“I'm afraid we do not know the answer to that question,” Venus replied. “I have no memories beyond being transported to Eos Towers and brought here.”

 

Zeus nodded. “It is the same for me.”

 

At once, something in Iason's stomach curdled and his lungs tightened in panic. Spies, he thought, his heart beating madly within his chest. More spies from Jupiter. She watches me still! Shaking his head, he dispelled the strange and sudden thought. Why would Jupiter spy on him? Where had such a thought come from?

 

“Do you wish to examine us for flaws?” Though Zeus's baritone was undoubtedly sensual, it made Iason's insides quiver with disgust rather than pleasure as it had just moments before.

 

Narrowing his eyes at the two new additions to his household, he felt the initial attraction he had felt for the two recede deep within his heart. They were beautiful, perhaps the most beautiful he had ever owned, but now that he had them in his possession, he suddenly no longer desired a pet. It was foolish, but he could not deny the truth. Still, they were a gift from Jupiter, and he would not dishonor himself or her by sending them away.

 

“Toma,” Iason called, retrieving his wineglass from the table beside his chair.

 

Almost immediately, the blue-haired furniture appeared before him with a deep bow. “Master?”

 

“Please see that Venus and Zeus are bathed, clothed, fed, and shown to their new rooms,” Iason answered with wave of his hand toward the guest suites. “Once you have gone over the rules of the house and ensured their comfort, please bring me a glass of wine.”

 

Bowing again, Toma nodded and immediately escorted the two pets toward the guest suites. Draining the last of his wine, Iason slumped back into his chair and sighed. Almost against his will, his eyes were drawn to the post in the great hall, and he scowled as the memories continued to elude him. Perhaps there had never been a pet unruly enough for chains. Perhaps he had simply ordered the post placed in the great hall merely to intimidate his pets. The more he tried to convince himself the post meant nothing, the more he felt sick inside.

 

Closing his eyes, Iason tightened his grip on his wineglass and willed Toma to hurry with his appointed chore.

 

* * *

 

“Do you have any questions?” Toma asked from the doorway, his hands on his hips in a show of impatience. He needed to get Master Iason his wine right away and did not like being delayed.

 

The woman shook her head, her beautiful emerald hair fluttering gently around her face. “I believe we understand.”

 

“See that you do,” Toma said curtly, a little bitter about the situation. “Master Iason does not take kindly to disobedience and foolish mistakes. I can assure you that you do not want to find yourself under his hand.”

 

Smirking, Zeus flexed his impressive torso. “I'm sure Master Iason will be most pleased with our manners and our…performance.”

 

Toma scowled once more before nodding and moving toward the bar. He hated this. Though he and Riki had not been extremely close, he held a certain fondness and respect for the brash mongrel. Mostly, he envied the undeniable love that existed between his master and his pet, but he had never been bitter about their relationship. On the contrary, like many others in the household and even Amoi, he secretly cheered for the ill-fated lovers. It gave him peace, and a sense of hope that one day he could find someone to cherish and that would cherish him as much.

 

It hurt him to see Iason without Riki, especially since it was obvious that though the master could not explain it, he felt the emptiness that the mongrel had left behind. Iason without Riki was like an empty wineglass, or a brothel without pets. One without the other was simply unheard of. Though he tried to remain neutral, he felt bitterness and hatred simmer in his heart toward the two new pets. It was his duty and obligation to tend to their needs, but he knew that he would not like it.

 

Please find each other soon, he silently prayed as he retrieved his master's wine and quickly made his way back toward the great hall.

 

“Is he gone?” Venus asked quietly, thoughtfully gazing out the window at Tanagura City below.

 

“Yes,” Zeus replied, intertwining his fingers behind his head. “I must say, I do believe we were quite convincing.”

 

Turning from the window, she studied his relaxed profile. “Who do you think he'll choose?”

 

Closing his eyes, Zeus shrugged lightly. “It's hard to say. I suppose we will just have to wait and see.”

 

“This is strange.”

 

“Perhaps,” Zeus replied, opening his eyes and sitting up in his bed. “But is the best and only way.”

 

Nodding, Venus sat on her own bed. “Do you think he suspects?”

 

“No,” he shook his head. “How could he?”

 

“He did not examine us.”

 

“That does not mean anything,” he answered softly. “Perhaps he was merely tired.”

 

Biting her lip, Venus closed her eyes. “What is this I am feeling?”

 

“Anticipation?” Zeus guessed. “Apprehension?”

 

“Guilt?”

 

“Perhaps.”

 

“Do you feel anything?” Venus asked, opening her eyes to study his face.

 

“I believe I am excited,” he confessed. “I must admit I did not expect this to be so easy.”

 

Venus scowled. “We have done nothing yet. Of course it has been easy.”

 

“You worry too much,” he taunted. “Get some rest.”

 

Nodding, she stretched out on her bed and sighed. “I do not like this feeling.”

 

“We knew from the beginning there were bound to be consequences.”

 

She sighed once more. “I suppose.”

 

Chuckling, Zeus rolled to his side, facing away from the beautiful pet. “Sleep,” he commanded softly. “We must conserve our strength.”

 

“How long are we required to rest?”

 

Zeus snorted softly in reply. “However long we require.”

 

Frowning at his cryptic response, Venus allowed her mind to calm and exhaustion to overcome her.

 

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A/N: Sorry I haven't replied much to your reviews. I have been furiously working to get this chapter written. It isn't extremely long, but it's an update. Thank you so much for continuing on this with me, and I hope to hear from you more! I am trying to be a bit more consistent with the updates, so look for me again soon.

 

Until then, forever yours,

 

clnv