Chapter 10

(Anastasia’s POV)

I have meet my fair share of men and seen some good and some bad. But none of that has ever made me feel like this before.

My name is Anastasia Douva and I am now headed to my Grandfather’s academy, when I say “Grandfather’s academy” it doesn’t mean my family owns it, he just has a high position.

This will be my 2nd day in campus and unlike my previews experiences in first days in different schools, this time is different.

Because the sooner I get to college, the sooner I get to meet him, James Moriarty.

This is what happened in my first day of school. He was resting his head on top of the table; he must be tired or over slept.

I noticed that classes was about to start so I tried to find a place to sit but only place available is the one right next to him.

I was reluctant to wake him up. But like I said, class is about to start and I needed to ask him if I could sit next to him.

“Excuse me; you wouldn’t mind if I sit her, would you?”

His eyes we’re red and a little teary. Could it be he is in pain? I wasn’t really sure but I should ask him if he is.

“Oh my, are you feeling alright?”

And then all of a sudden, his words caught me by surprise.

“Ah, it’s the fairy.”

Eh! A fairy!? Who me? Is he calling me a fairy? This is sudden, but is he complimenting me?

“Um…th…thank you for saying that.”

I tried to my best not to show it, but I’m actually quite embarrassed. I eventually asked him if I could sit next to him and he quickly agreed.

Hours later, this man next to me seems to get along with Prof. Morrigan and even the girl next to him. I’m impressed on how quickly he makes friends. He looks intimidating, but I guess he is actually kind. Just like what my mother has taught me “One must not judge a book by its cover” so this saying must apply to someone like him.

“…!!!...”

Oh no, he saw me staring at him. Wha…what should I do?

*DING, DONG!*

Ah, it’s the school bell. That sure is lucky of me.

And with the sound of the bell, my first day of college is finished. We only have half of the day though.

Most of my classmates are already standing and talking about eating together. I need to do the same; I wouldn’t want to be a loner.

“James! Its lunch time, so let’s go out and I’ll show you a good place that serves great lasagna. That is your favorite, right?”

Wow, Prof. Morrigan actually asked the man next to me out for lunch. College life sure is different.

The intercom suddenly made a summons to all first year professors, so Prof. Morrigan reluctantly made her way outside.

She must really want to have lunch with him.

But if the Professor herself wants to have lunch with him, then he must be a gentleman.

Alright, I can do this. All I have to do is ask him if I could…

“*POP* Guess it’s going to be just the two of us.”

Eh! They already plan to go out and eat lunch together? That’s amazing; I didn’t even notice them planning anything.

I shouldn’t hold back and ask them to join them. Ok, Ana. Relax and ask them calmly.

“Um…will it be alright if I join you two as well?”

Both of them agreed and let me join them for lunch and we made our way out side, but…

“Hey there ladies, why don’t you let us join you.”

“Yeah, it’ll be a lot of fun.”

Four men blocked our way; they seem to want to join us but…

I felt this before, these men merely wants to join us for their own gain. In other words, they want to use us. So I made an excuse to get away from them.

“I’m sorry, but we already have plans for the rest of the day,”

But they we’re very persistent and won’t give up on asking us.

The woman next to him suddenly walk in front of them and tried to defend me.

I was happy to see someone help me, but now their aiming for me but for her as well.

These men must have grown impatient and suddenly grabbed me by my arm, pulling me closer to them.

“P…please, let go of me. I already planned to accompany these two.”

“Come on, it’s not like we’re planning anything bad.”

No! This man has “Lust” written all over him and the same goes for his friends.

The woman who was just defending me continued to do so, slapped the hand that grabbed me and gave them an angry glare.

But because of her actions, the biggest of the brutes voiced out his anger, yet the woman stood firm and didn’t even move an inch continues to glare at them.

She once again gave out an argument, making the brute raise his arm and hit her. I was too scared to look, so I just closed my eyes shut and waited for the horrible sound.

But it never came. The sound of the punch never reached my ears, so I slowly opened my eye and found the brute’s clenched fist stopped by the man next to me.

I guess I was still scared so I wasn’t able to understand what they said, but did know that the man next to me is angry. At first, I thought he was already furious about something since I saw his face making an irritated look when I first met him.

But now is different, not only do I see his anger, I feel it.

We we’re able to avoid a fight thanks to these two, James Moriarty and Robin Altorez.

Both of them seem to look unapproachable, but they are actually quiet the sociable. Thus makes me remember my mother’s teachings once again.

The three of us introduced our selves when we had lunch together. I was actually surprised to know someone has a name of a villain in a famous mystery book. I kept my surprise for myself though, I might offend him.

After our lunch we took a tour around the campus, my grandfather might be the chairman of this academy but that doesn’t mean I get to see the campus on a daily basis.

On our self tour we manage to see different kinds of circles like wood arts, robotics, and even things you rarely in circles like “The UMA Fanatics Club” who seem be having trouble getting new members.

There we’re a few who tried to recruit us forcibly, but luckily James was with us so we got away from them without any trouble.

For about 2 or 3 hours we eventually finished our tour and about to go our separate ways.

My family’s limo came to pick me up, though I honestly wish it didn’t. It made me feel a little worried, thinking that they might think I’m boasting about my family’s income, to my surprise they both didn’t really think mind it and just said our friendly good-byes.

Its 8 pm and I along with along with my family are having our dinner. Though when I say family, the only ones that are at the table besides myself, is my older brother Huston, my mother and finally my grandfather. My father in another hand is busy with work in another country.

The dining table was quiet, but as usual my grandfather breaks the silence.

“So Ana, how was your first day of college? Did anything eventful happen?”

If I told them about myself almost getting in a fight my mother might do something drastic, so I’ll refrain myself and try to avoid that.

“Nothing really happened, it was actually quite normal and I made a few friends to.”

That’s right; I’ll go with that excuse for now. I’m sorry for lying to everyone though. But for now keep pretending that nothing happened and keep drinking your tea.

“Anastasia, you know how I feel when I am told a lie, yes?”

“Pfff…”

But then my mother asked me a question that made me jump in my seat. I even spat a few of my tea, how unbecoming of me!

But what I really need to know is, how on god’s green earth did my mother find out?

…No, calm yourself Ana, my mother must be asking about something else, like maybe she want to ask if I’m having troubles on my lesson. Yeah, that has to be it.

“So who was the young man you walked around the campus ground with?”

“…………!?”

H…how did she know!? Was she there? No, that can’t be. She stayed home the whole day.

“No way, little sis! You got your eye on a classmate on the first day of school! Nice.”

Stop it, Huey! Don’t give me that thumb up. I’m scared enough as it is.

“So, when are we going to have the talk about when we are going to meet him? Big brother is really interested.”

Is this the nature of an older brother!? Teasing his younger sister? And stop giving me that smile that says “Go on tell us” while looking at me please!

“Huston, please stop teasing your younger sister. I was merely telling to not lie. So Anastasia, if you please…”

This is the reason why only a few can disobey my mother, her smile remains beautiful but you still can’t disobey her.

Barteia Douva the 4th head of the “Nephilim Douva” family.

“Y…yes mother.”

In the end, I told her all what I knew. Though I only know a few about him, so the conversation with my mother is short.

We finished dinner and I am now resting on my bed.

In truth I’m still hiding something, something that I didn’t tell my mother.

“*Sigh* Why can’t I stop thinking about him?”

Ever since I got home, my mind just keeps reminding myself about him. The way he stands, the way he moves, the way dress…everything about him seem to stay within my memory.

But most of all…whenever I do remember him, my heart aches and my chest tightens.

Wait…I think read something about this before.

I quickly got out of bed and reached a book on my shelf. Not a lot of people know this and I don’t think I want any of them to find out. But I’m actually a fanatic of some sort, or to be more precise I am what most people call an “OTAKU” or to be more accurate a “SHOUJO OTAKU”.

I recall hearing those words in one of my many mangas I own. I read this manga dozens of times so I know what page those lines are written.

“…………is this really happening?”

I put down the first book and grabbed another.

“…………it says the same thing.”

All the mangas I read says the same thing. The feeling I’m having right now is no other then…

“I fell in love?”

That can’t be. I’ve meet so many men because of my family’s reputation and jobs. I meet very good looking men; to the point where it makes actors put to shame, then again some of them are actors.

But why did I only get this feeling towards him?

“………James Moriarty, what in the world did do you to me?”

No, this feeling isn’t LOVE; it might just be temporary since we almost got in a fight in the first day in college, so this isn’t LOVE.

*Knock, Knock*

“Hmm? Who is it?”

“It’s me little sis, open up.”

I open my door and found my brother wearing his business suit. If he is wearing this, it would mean that he and my mother are going out to do a job.

“Do you mind accompanying Gramps? Apparently something happened in the office and mother needed me to help out.”

“Sure Huey, I don’t mind.”

This is good; maybe going out for a little air would help me clear my mind.

“Thanks little sis.”

I would seem like they we’re in a hurry because my brother started to dash out in the hallway, but he suddenly stopped and faced me.

“Oh, before I forget. Make sure to use protection with your boyfriend, I don’t want to become an uncle yet.”

“Wha!? Huey, you big bully!”

He then continued to run while laughing. How could he say that!? I knew it big brother are there to bully us younger siblings.

I’m with my grandfather at the reception inside the faculty building.

From what my grandfather told me, there would be a new member of the group that my grandfather leads. I’m sure the meeting would take hours. Luckily there is another free room right beside where the meeting will be held, I was told I could relax there while I wait for my grandfather.

But before the meeting starts, I went out of the building to get some air.

“……………It’s no use.”

The main purpose of me joining my grandfather utterly failed. Why? Because I still can’t take my mind away from the man named “James Moriarty”.

“Huh? Is that you, Anastasia?”

“James? What are you doing here so late in the night?”

Eh!? What…what is he doing here? Here I am trying to get him out of my mind, but then he suddenly appears in front of me.

“Oh, well I forgot something very important inside the classroom so I snuck in to get it back, pretty clumsy of me, huh?”

Oh, so that was it. He forgot something. *Sigh* and here I thought that he found out about me liking him…wait, no, that was not it. When I said “like”, I meant the kind of “like“ that friends share.

“Here, you might catch a cold if you’re wearing something light.”

Huh!? Why is he giving me his coat? Wait, could it be that my face was red? He must have thought that I was cold.

“Y…yes! Um…Thank you very much.”

But I am grateful though.

Hmm? I...I can still feel his warmth in this coat. Well, he did just take it off. And if he did, then that would mean.

“*Inhale, Exhale*”

It has his smell. I thought that men’s scent will be different from ours, but…

“*Inhale’ Exhale*”

Maybe if I close the zipper the scent might…

“Anastasia? Are you feeling alright?”

“Huh!? Oh, yes I’m…I’m doing fine. I’m sorry but were you saying something to me earlier?”

Oh dear, what am I doing. How could I do something so vulgar!? In front of the man who owns the jacket even!

I thought he would hate me, but James didn’t find out what I was doing and just asked me why I was here. Thank god he didn’t. I would really hate it I was seen as a depraved woman.

I was about to answer him honestly, but I was interrupted by my grandfather who was looking for me.

And of course he met James who is standing beside me.

My grandfather then started to talk about what happened in dinner, but I got so embarrassed that I just ran inside the building while covering my face. Grandfather, I’ll never forgive you for this!

The meeting of the Academy’s founders is about to begin and my grandfather invited James inside, it’s really obvious what my grandfather intended, for having James wait with me at the room next to the meeting area, but he didn’t have to. I can talk to him if I desired it…just as long as I have company though.

Both of us had our awkward moment but he eventually offered me a drink, though I’m not really thirsty. I thought this might be a good start of a conversation.

We both walked the hallways headed to the lower floor; I then spotted 2 men guarding the meeting room’s front door.

We’re close by room itself so I asked James to be silent since we might bother them.

But then James did something outrageous, he grabbed one of the lamps that were standing in the hallways and…

*SMASH!!!*

Hit the 2 men on guard, right on their heads.

“James, how could you do this to them!?”

“It’s fine…”

How could this man say such things!? He just killed two men right in front of me!

I was about to panic even more, but he then gave me a gesture to stay quiet and then he pointed at the remains of the dead men.

At first I didn’t want to look but I needed to confirm on what he wanted to show me so I reluctantly took a peek.

“They…they are made out of clay?”

James then explained to me on what this things are, he called them ”Golems”, I have heard what they are but never really seen one before. James then started to rummage the crumbling bodies of the Golems and found two black metallic objects.

“Are…are these guns?”

To my surprise, James not only knew about what the Golems are but he also knew what type of gun he just held. The more he explains the more I grow to find James mysterious.

Honestly I was getting a little scared of him. But the next word he said made all my doubts of him disappeared.

“Ana, I’ll get your grandfather out of this mess, I promise.”

His eyes were resolute and unfazed, making me think that…

(Yes, this man can do it. He will save my grandfather and everyone else. I’m sure of it.)

I asked James if I could come with him but he tried to refuse.

“Please James, I couldn’t stay in a safe place if one of my family is in danger. So please take me with you.”

Just as he was determined to save my grandfather, I’m determined myself to go inside the room with him.

I guess James thought that I wouldn’t give in, so he gave out a small sigh and agreed to go with him.

“But even though I agreed for you come with me, I don’t think you’ll be able to keep up with me.”

James is right; even I could see that James is an experienced combatant, I don’t think I’ll be able to. Unless…kyaa!!...I…I can’t…but it’s…

No! Embarrassing it may be but this is the only way for me to stay close to him.

“Um…James I have an idea.”

“Really? That’s a big help, what is it?”

“You can carry me in your back while I grab a hold on you?”

“………………”

“………………”

Whaa!!! I want to disappear, I want to disappear and forget the idiotic thing I just said! James, please don’t look at me with that blank stare! Why did I even give that suggestion? I’m so stupid, an idiot, a dunce, I don’t think I can face him again!

“Your right this is actually the best option we can go with.”

Eh? I am?

James then got down with one knee on the floor and urged me to get on his back.

“Come on, we don’t have much time.”

“Y…Yes, umm…please excuse me.”

I then got on his back and wrapped my arms and legs around him…

I knew it this is embarrassing! Heart, please stop beating so fast or James might feel it. Grandfather, I know you are in danger but I myself am in a tight situation.

James then stood up; he must have amazing leg muscle since he stood as if I was weightless. That somewhat made me a little happy, I am a girl after all.

James stood still and gave a deep inhale and exhale. Because of that though, his body expanded. I could literally feel his hardened back. Do all men have bodies like this?

“Ana, are you ready?”

I was absorbed on the feeling of his back, so when he asked if I was ready I answered with a stuttering voice.

He then kneeled back down and made a position that reminds me of a running sport.

“Here we go, in 3…”

James started a countdown, so I tighten my grip on my arms. It’s a good thing I did because when the count ended, a strong burst of wind almost blows me off his back. I could barely open my eyes, so everything I see is a blur.

I thought that there would be heavy gun fire, but I only heard a few. But of course, when the gunshot we’re fired I tightly close my eyes. Though right after the last shot was made I heard James shout out an apology to one of the biggest company owners in the world.

I could hear James sigh and he then told me that the fight was over.

At first I could believe it, but when I opened my eyes a dozen of Golems are already on the floor motionless.

I was so amazed that I unknowingly shouted praise and asked him on how was he able to achieve this, but my grandfather stopped me. I guess I was too excited and asked something I shouldn’t have.

Luckily no one got hurt, but James in the other hand stayed quiet after he receives the founder’s thanks. The founder we’re happy that they are now safe from danger, but suddenly James shouted telling everyone to be quiet, I followed as well.

[Beep……………BEEP……………BEEP]

Huh? Do I hear something?

I was a little worried so I walked closer to James and asked, but…

“DAMN IT! I WAS RIGHT! HURRY UP GET TO THE RIGHT EDGE OF THE ROOM!!!”

I wasn’t sure what was going on but everyone including me followed James orders, he and Mr. Douf, who used to be my grandfather’s student, pushed a table towards us.

James then told us to hide behind the table as soon as he turns it over. I can’t just stay here though, I need to help him.

I then went around the table and turn it over; it was a good thing that the table was very light.

Now I understand what James is trying to do, he plans to use this table as a shield! With this everyone will be safe from the explosion.

“Ana! Get to the other side! Quick!”

What? What is he saying? But aren’t we going together?

“But what about you!?”

I heard his reason why we had to go first, but I just can’t comprehend it. He told me he going to pile the golem rubble on the other side of the room. He can’t he might get caught with the explosion.

“But…”

He didn’t let me finish what I was about to say and just run toward the closest Golem rubble. I ran after him but…

“Come on lady Anastasia, it’s safer behind the table.”

“Listen to what James is saying. He knows what he is doing.”

Even if he does, we can’t just leave him. He might get hurt or even worst.

I was still trying to free myself from their grip, but my grandfather told me that there is no way that he will not die on something like this.

Ever since I was a child I believed on my grandfather’s word, when he says something it really does happened. But will his words be enough? I slowly relaxed my body, but they’re still having a grip on me and I finally gave in and stayed behind the table.

We all crouched down and everyone waited for the explosion, but what I was waiting for is not the explosion, but for the man who saved us all.

I clenched my hands together, praying for his safety. But then…

*BOOOOM!!!*

“Ghaaa!”

*CRASH!!!*

The explosion surrounds the room, but along with the explosion was the voice of James.

No…no…that can’t be…he was supposed to come back…he was supposed to hide here along with all of us.

In a panic I got out of the upped-turned table and look at the surroundings…

He isn’t here. The only remaining thing is the bit and piece of the Golems. Where is he? Don’t tell me he really…

“James!!! What in the world happened here!? Are you OK!?”

I suddenly heard a familiar voice coming out of the shattered window. I walked a little closer and found my class advisor,

Reshulla Morrigan looking up towards us.

“Reshulla, is that you!?”

I then heard a voice, the voice of the man I feared to be gone. I wasn’t the only one that heard his voice, so Mr. Douf and the other founders came running towards him and pulled him back up.

He’s safe. After that explosion I thought the he was gone. But he’s here, standing in front of me…

“*Sigh* Thank you for helping me uuUUP!?”

He’s safe, he is really safe. The man who not only saved my grandfather but everyone else is around my arms in this very moment. I’m so happy, so happy that we will still meet each other.

After explosion my grandfather told all founder to go back home and relax. Everyone was tired and that includes me. But

I’m still embarrassed that I suddenly hugged James, so with the feelings of both fatigue and embarrassment made me a

little dizzy.

I wanted to thank James more but I though the he must be exhausted so I restrained myself and got in one of my family’s limo.

That event last night made me really think more about him, but the more I think about him the more question I have for him pile up, how is able to do those amazing things and why is he so knowledgeable when it comes to those Golems and weapons? I’m sure that the more I come to know him; other questions about him will come about.

But there is one thing I have an answer to and that is I Anastasia Douva has fallen completely in love with a man named James Moriarty.

That is why I am really excited to meet him again.

The limo I’m riding is now parked at the campus parking lot, so I got off while still thinking about the man who I fell for.

I then realize a big crowd is gathering in one of the first year GYM buildings, I wanted to meet James as soon as possible, but this might be connected to what happened last night so I excused myself.

And there I found the man I love, standing in the middle of the gymnasium full of crowds cheering, but the thing that caught my was that the man I love is standing in the middle, who is wearing nothing but his pants.

The only thing I said after seeing that sight was…

“What is going on?”

Hey guys it's me ZYLOS101!!! Sorry for being slow on this chapter, so i made it a little longer to make it up for you guys. i had a hard time thinking like a girl after all i'm a guy and i like guy things. i especially had a hard time maintaining her high class lady aura, which i don't really understand since i'm nether a high class nor am i a lady. anyway i'm happy to hear everyone's comments about this chapter. here are my last words...

HAREM OU NI OREWA NARU!!! see you next chapter!!!