Unexpected Changes

II

You and Hades stared at each other, then at the man on the chair, waiting for an explanation, which he gave to you after a deep sigh.

– I can't believe this was your first idea, Hades-san. We just need to look at y/n-san to see that she's not cursed. Even less sick – and, turning to you, – I'd even say she's healthier than the previous times I've seen her.

While Hades was trying to process the intriguing response from the other god, you sensed a bubbling in your stomach, but that time it had nothing to do with nausea: you were aware that you've been quiet for too long, and though you were still afraid, you knew that if you didn't speak for yourself, this confusion would never end.

You gathered all your courage and opened your mouth.

– But, Beelzebub-sama... – you startled when Beelzebub's eyes stopped on you, but didn't give up – These changes I've sensed are not product of my imagination. I'm really experiencing alterations in my sleeping and eating schedule, and there's no apparent reason for them. And, to use Poseidon-sama's words, it's like something is stealing my energies, forcing my body to restock them. What kind of thing would cause this if not a curse or sickness?

The Lord of the Flies' response was to turn to a drawer beside his table, at his leg's height, and take two small objects out of it: when he turned back to you, you saw he had a medical needle and a tiny strap in hands.

Without the slightest sign of impatience, he stood up and approached you. You had to fight the impulse of stepping back when he stopped before you. Hades was following everything, but made no effort to interrupt – this was his level of trust in that man, then.

– Y/n-san, can you show me one finger? – Beelzebub raised the hand holding the needle – There's something I want to show to both of you, but I need a blood sample first.

You had no idea of what he intended to show, but if it was going to solve this mystery, you'd accept his methods. You gave him a hesitant hand.

– It's not going to hurt – he held your index finger and pressed the tip of the needle on it – Just some drops are enough.

Indeed, the procedure was so fast that you didn't have the time to feel the sting. When the needle came out from your skin, your fingertip was left with a small, red dot on the pierced spot; you rubbed it and confirmed the absence of pain.

Hades and you observed in silence as Beelzebub took the collected material to the table and gathered a small test tube and some strange substances from bottles he kept inside a drawer in desk on the other side of the room. He came back with two or three colored flasks, moistened the strap with your blood, then put it inside the tube and started mixing the substances in it with the help of a thin, disposable stick.

He was so concentrated in this task that he didn't notice the growing tension provoked by the questions he made while working.

– You didn't say anything about it, y/n-san, but you've probably been experiencing other symptoms besides the ones you just described, right?

– Ah... yes – you stuttered.

– And does these symptoms include hypersensitivity to physical and mental stimulation?

– I... Yes, I think.

– And then, sensations of dizziness, nausea and occasional vomit?

You glanced at your husband, who already had a pair of worried eyes on you, and confirmed this supposition too.

– Let me guess – Beelzebub continued, without raising his eyes from the tube – They use to happen in the mornings?

Again, a positive answer. When Hades inquired you about this, you explained that it's been happening long after he left the room.