Life and Death and Love in Between

Chapter 7: Turn 0 to 0.01

(I like to think I am creative with titles, but other times, I am not. Regardless, Idia's book is a lot of fun for me personally. I love puzzles, mini-bosses, and final bosses! This book was for me! I tried to incorporate that into this story. We also have 2 more chapters left! Enjoy!)

            Brain, Ortho, and Malleus exited the lounge first and made sure no one could see them. The cameras were shut down as Idia was in the lounge and commanding everything in the center of the room with multiple, blue screens around him and everyone who were in awe at his skills. Lea was staying with him along with Isa, Jack, Najma, Epel, Sebek, and Lilia. Ephemer, Skuld, Yuu, Grim, Ace, Deuce, Trey, Cater, and Chenya departed as they searched for Pina.

"Is everyone ready?" Idia asked through Ortho's communication device and Cater's phone.

"We are go, go!" Cater answered excitedly as Trey shook his head with Ortho replying, "We have our objectives, big brother!"

"Kay. Remember, we don't have reruns nor respawns. We've got one shoot for a victory" Idia reminded, "I'll make sure to watch over all of you as best as I can. I can only control the cameras for a certain amount of time. Don't be slow!"

They yelled in agreement before making their way to their destinations.

"The absolute nerve of him!" Miss Ver exclaimed as she was in her grand room with Pina facing a dressing table.

The room held a vast, soft, green bed with the softest of sheets. It was also covered in plant life, but it held only flowers and tulips in neat arrangements. There was a brown, oak desk and chair in one side while the brown, dressing table was on the other side. Pina sat on the brown chair as Mentha was gently brushing her hair with a green comb.

"But nothing happened" Pina tried to reassure her mother as she stared at the mirror, "It was stopped thanks to everyone's help"

She didn't want to go against her mother, but she didn't want to tarnish Idia's help either. She held a saddened expression that Mentha caught. She glanced to her shoulder to see Miss Ver laying on her bed with a sigh.

"You're correct, my daughter" she said before sitting up and making her way to them.

Mentha bowed her head before taking a few steps back. Miss Ver wrapped her arms around Pina to embrace her only daughter. Pina hugged her mother's arms and leaned into her embrace.

"Nothing happened, but the thought of you being near him without me is so frightening. I wouldn't want to lose you too soon" she murmured to her daughter who sighed in sadness, "Ah, I should make sure the stage is prepared. Please come when you're ready. Mentha will be with you"

Pina only nodded as her mother gave her cheeks a kiss and pinch before gracefully exiting the room. Pina sighed as she looked at her joined hands. She didn't have much time, but she hoped she could see Idia and the others again. She wanted to make sure he was safe and well along with his friends. She was also curious about two people with him. If she was right, they resembled two characters from the video game she enjoys playing with Idia, but that can't be, right?

Mentha noticed her distraction and took her chance to speak, "Well, that was certainly bold of those students. I knew Night Raven College wasn't too strict with their rules, but they should change that, shouldn't they? Ah, no, it should be those scoundrel pair of brothers who need to a proper lesson"

Mentha noticed Pina's hands formed a tight fist. She stood right behind Pina and chuckled.

"Ah, but it wasn't Idia, right? No, it was his little brother, Ortho. I suppose Ortho does have an excuse. Idia was rather quick to intervene and make sure everything was stopped" Mentha continued as Pina's heart was beating loudly with her cheeks red, "In fact, he was the only one who stood with you. Why is that, Proserpina?"