Star Crossed Myth: Live For Me

Chapter 6: Running Out Of Time

After a week of not seeing Ichthys, she's been worried sick. Is he ok? Did he overwork himself again? Did he... No not that! Anything but that! It's been hard to study while having her dear friend not keep in contact with her. To clarify, she headed her way towards the mansion. Ariana quietly opened the front door when she arrived, and let herself in. "Hello..?"

"Ariana?" Dui was passing by only to find her at the doorway. "What brings you here today?"

"Um... I wanted to see if Ichthys was alright."

"He's asleep in his room, he seems to be sick."

"Sick..?" Dui looked down, his face seeming troubled. "What? Is it serious..?"

"...Ichthys's mark has faded."

"His sin mark? Isn't that a good thing? I mean if it's going away, that means he can return to the heavens, right?"

"That's what was intended. But..." "

"But... What?"

"His powers are growing weaker... He hasn't been using his healing powers, hasn't he?"

"No... He never used his healing powers in front of me. In fact, I've never seen him use it."

"That's strange indeed... By the look of it now, it's not looking so good. He looks like he can pass away any day..."

That comment struck her right in her heart. "..Can I see him?"

"I'm not sure... He wouldn't let me in. I'm not sure about you... All he's been doing is lay on his bed. It doesn't look like he will recover anytime soon. I bet he feels bad not seeing you for awhile, he always talks about you about how it's fun to be around you."

"Oh..!" 'Ichthys talks about me..?' Understanding the situation, Ariana left the mansion, saying goodbye to Dui. Before she left, she told Dui to tell Ichthys, "Get well soon."

Later that day, finishing classes for the day, she sat down at an outdoor table on campus. She took out her phone and headphones, and began to listen to music. She started to hum the song she was listening, and swayed slightly side to side. That was interrupted when she was getting a call from one of her cousins. "Hello?"

"Hey Ariana, are you done with classes for the day?"

"Yes. Do you need me for something?"

"Riku and I want to invite you to eat dinner with us at Conte. Is that alright?"

"Oh sure! That sounds great!"

"Maybe you can over that guy you went on a date with. How are things with him?"

"Uh... I'll see if he can or not. I'll get back to you on that."

"Great! See you tonight!" Makoto ended the call, and the song came back on. She continued her little dance while there was no around... Or so she thought. Someone took one of her earbuds out of her ear. "Hey! What's the-" She stopped as she saw the person she's been wanting to see. "Ichthys!"

"Long time, no see!" She took out the other earbud and put her phone away. "Ok before you say anything, yes I was sick, but I'm all better now!"

She stood up and embraced him. "Geez... You had me worried." He blinked and awkwardly hugged her back. "Ah!" She released him and blushed. "Sorry! I just..."

"Did you miss me that much..?"

"Of course! I thought something happened to you! I'm glad to see you're fine though."

He smiled. "I came here to let you know that I'm fine and to have you help me with some work I have to do." Remembering what Dui said, it seemed to her like he can't use his powers too well, even if he was touching her. "What? Do you have other plans? You don't have to help me if you're busy..." She shook her head. 'I guess I'll tell Mako I'll be a little late...' "Cool. Let's go." He touched her shoulder and snapped his fingers, automatically teleporting to a crowded street. Ichthys took out some documents, and handed them to Ariana. "Hold these for a sec, Ariana." His tone seemed more distant than usual, like something was bothering again... Big time. "Can you go to the second page, please?" Or maybe she was just imagining it all. Instead of doing pranks as punishments, he was doing fitting punishments for the people, but it wasn't... Ichthys enough. Why is he doing typical punishments instead of pranks? Something is definitely wrong with him! "...What is it?"