Chapter 4

Whoa, did I just see that right, as soon as Veroni—I mean, as soon as Percy introduces me, it was like all the blood on his face went straight down to his ass. He’s so pale; it’ll make vampires look like they spend a whole day in the beach.

But then again, Percy did say something outrageous. I mean, I kind of understand that she would call me a friend, but isn’t “More than just a friend” part was a tiny bit too much?

Hmm, was I happy that I was called a friend? Well…I guess I’m a little happy, but just a little…just—just a little…yeah…anyway, moving on.

His pale face quickly recovered and then looks at me as if I just stole something from him, his so angry right now that his glasses are fogging up.

This guy should ease up.

But I guess he has the right to be angry with me, I mean I could clearly see why. Though I admit that I’m quite dense from time to time, but at least I could tell why he’s pissed off at me.

Foggy Four Eyes over here has a thing for Percy.

I guess its fine and all, but having feelings towards the person your managing is a little unprofessional if you ask me. That’s only my personal opinion of course.

[Owens] “B—but I thought that the person you want to meet was a girl!”

And I’m obviously not a girl.

[Veronica] “I never said anything about Mori being a girl and even if he is—“

That’s right, go and tell him off Percy. I’m actually a little angry when he called me “punk” a few times, so go tell him “it’s none of his business” straight to his face.

[Veronica] “—he’d be a pretty girl!”

Why!? Why did your conversation ended up with me having a gender bender!?

*Sigh* as always, Percy’s way of thinking is still a mystery to me…wow, I just realized about this now, but I sighed a lot ever since I’ve met her.

[Owens] “I—it doesn’t matter, I told you that you shouldn’t get to close to the opposite sex. You popularity with the boys might go down!”

In a way, what he’s saying is true, if men saw their favorite idol or teen actress in a relationship or even hold hands with an unknown boy, it tends to become a scandal. So I guess I couldn’t oppose to that kind of logic.

And I guess Percy knows that too, since she suddenly became quiet. Knight or not, she’s still a celebrity after all, she doesn't want to disappoint her fans.

I could feel her grip on my arm starting to get stronger. Or more like, she isn’t locking her arms around me anymore, she hugging my arm and the stronger her arms hug me, the bigger the manger’s scowling gets.

Seriously, I’m not even part of this show business thing and yet I’m the one that might get a low evaluation from the public!

I could see them now, letters written in a messy manner and says words full of hate and envy! They might even send me weird things like weird picture of them hugging a Percy hug pillow, or men cross-dressing like her and saying things like he is Percy’s number one fan……………

I don’t want it; I don’t want those kinds of letters being sent to me! Please spare me from that nightmare!

While I wish inside my thoughts to never experience those kinds of mails, Percy, who was silent a few minutes ago, must have thought of something and shows her manager a bright smile.

Though I sure that the smile she just gave out is meant to intimidating, all I could see is a smile of cute child who thought of a prank. So the reason why Percy’s manager stepped back a bit is not because of her non-existing intimidation, but due to her adorable act.

[Veronica] “Then are you saying that I can’t stay with him, because we’re in a different standing point?”

[Owens] “Y—yeah, that’s right. You should only talk to the people who really know you, li—like—like me…th—that’s right, just like me, hehehe…”

Gross, that small laugh actually made me tremble a bit; I could feel the hair on my arms standing up.

Wow, good job trying to hide your feelings there mister. I’m sure no one would know what you’re trying to imply when you said that.

By the way, that was sarcasm. This guy is practically shouting it.

Anyone would be able to see that this guy is being unprofessional and practically announced his feeling for Percy.

But if there was any chance for this guy to be able to go out with Percy, it would still be considered a scandal, after all, Percy is only 17 or 18 and this guy is obviously in his 40s.

Not that I’m judging those kinds of relationships though, it’s fine as long as they like each other. But this man is clearly doing nothing but forcing his own feeling towards Percy.

No woman wants a very forceful man…at least that’s what I heard from the girls, though Reshulla said she wouldn’t mind if I was more rough……let’s forget about me mentioning that.

[Veronica] “Huh, what are you talking about?”

[Owens] “…………….”

Ouch, Percy just threw his confession right back to him.

[Veronica] “I’m not really sure what you’re trying to say, but that’s not important right now.”

First a dodge and now an attack, I’m actually starting to feel sorry for this guy, just a little though.

[Veronica] “What’s important is that Mori can now stay with me because I’ll be hiring him as my personal bodyguard.”

[Owens] “What!?”

[James] “Yeah, though I don’t really want to, I’m actually agreeing to his question. What?”

More like, don’t I get a say in this!? I was just standing there being talked badly by some old man I never met and now I’m a big shot celebrity’s personal bodyguard!? This is moving too fast, the readers might get confused!

Since I wanted to voice out a complaint to my employer who just popped out of nowhere, I slightly lean and whisper my words on to her ear.

[James] “What the hell are you doing Percy? Since when did you have any interest on hiring me as you bodyguard? Actually, your strong enough to defend yourself, so why?”

[Veronica] “Eh~ but I still want to talk to you.”

[James] “Wait a minute; don’t tell me that you want to hire me just so you could have time to talk to me.”

If it is, consider my resignation to your bodyguard job, permanent.

[Veronica] “Yes~”

[James] “Wha—“

[Veronica] “And no.”

[James] “Huh?”

When she said ‘Yes’ earlier, I was about to shout in anger. Damn it, stop making my head hurt more than it already is!

But if she’s just going to keep on doing these things I might as well be straight with her.

[James] “Listen Percy, I’m not going to London just to visit you guys, the Queen asked me to come over, so I won’t be able to entertain you nor will I be playing around.”

[Veronica] “I know, Her Highness will give you a mission, right?”

[James] “Well yeah, I guess that’s one of the reasons on why she would call me. But...”

[Veronica] “The Queen actually gave me orders to become you partner for this mission. So that’s why we need to stick together, won’t this be fun?”

[James] “………………………………………………”

I’m sorry to bother, but can anyone look at my head is there’s a big gap in it? I could slightly feel my head been torn open.

[Owens] “W—we can’t have that happen! I mean this punk looks like thug and let’s not forget about his name, James Moriarty? I bet that’s not even his real name!”

As embarrassing as it sounds, it’s actually my real name.

Anyway, this guy has been saying a lot of rude words about me. I admit that I’m not the friendliest looking person out there, but that doesn’t mean he has to voice them out.

I have feelings to you know, I get sad if I’m insulted and—

[Owens] “I bet he only wants you for your body, he must have been sniffing your clothes back when you were younger and thinks about naughty things being done to you!”

I get pissed off when I’m being labeled as pervert! That’s it, this little shit better get ready because I’ll punch him in the mouth so hard he’ll be shitting his own teeth and start to wear dentures early!

I was about to walk to him and…well, not really do so much damage like what I mentioned earlier, I was just about to intimidate him so he could shut up, but I suddenly heard Percy snarl a bit.

I took a peak from her side and I could see he cheeks puffed, similar to a hamster that stuffed itself with seeds.

Yes people, believe it or not, that’s Percy’s angry look.

But the last time I saw her get angry like this was 6 years ago, back when Gawain, one of the Queen’s knights, ate Percy’s slice of cake that she was saving for another time. Percy kept throwing a tantrum until she finally gave up and made her buy a whole 3 layer cake.

I have to admit though, it was good cake.

[Veronica] “How could you say that!? You don’t know Mori, but you’ve been saying nothing but bad stuff about him!”

[Owens] “Alright f—fine, but that doesn’t mean that we can hire him as your bodyguard. He’s just a normal civilian, he doesn’t have the experience.”

I don’t really want to stand out more than I’ve already had, so I’ll just keep quiet and keep my comments to myself, since I’ll be doing a job for the Queen, it’s better for me to keep a low profile.

[Veronica] “That’s not true!”

But I guess Percy thinks differently.

[Veronica] “Mori does have experience and he has a lot of it! I bet he can protect anyone no matter what his opponent is!”

I’m feeling conflicted right now, I don’t know if I should be happy that she trust me so much or feel worried for her trusting me so much. See, such a confusing feeling, right?

[Veronica] “Besides, wont a bodyguard who knows me very well be perfect?”

[Owens] “Kn—knows you…very well?”

[Veronica] “That’s right.”

Hearing the words ‘Knows very well’ from Percy herself, made Owens open his mouth in shock and as for Percy, she didn’t even notice her own manager’s reaction.

While completely ignoring her manager’s looks, though I’m sure she doesn’t really mean it, she slowly closes her eyes and started to talk about the past.

[Veronica] “I could still remember the time when I got tiered from walking inside a cave; I eventually feel a sleep and Mori carried me all the way to the end.”

[Owens] “Wh—what?”

A Cave, what is she talking about…oh yeah, now I remember.

I’m sure this guy and everyone who heard Percy’s gentle words though of something romantic or it might even be fairytale like development. But trust me it wasn’t.

The Queen gave her a mission about sudden disappearances in a certain town and I was asked to come along with her.

She just couldn’t remember it since she fell asleep while on our mission, though it was true that I carried her all the way out of the cave, but while Percy was on my back. I ran as fast as I could, away from a swarm of Underground, Cannibalistic, Mole People.

And believe me, though those things look unhealthy and thin, to the point where one could count all the rib bones in one body, they were fast as hell.

I was impressed with their number and speed, but I was more impressed with Percy who didn’t even wake up from all the screaming that the mole people did.

[Veronica] “Ah, there was also that time when we went to a desert to visit a friend; I wasn’t able to notice that I accidentally stepped on a snake’s head and not only that, more of them popped out and tried to attack me. But luckily Mori was there with me, so I didn’t even get a scratch on me.”

I remember that too, we were supposed to meet up with Bors, one of the Knights of the Round Table with his search of an Artifact.

Percy didn’t lie about this one; she really did step on a snake’s head. But not the normal one you could find anywhere, the head she stepped on was the head of the Winged Serpent of Isa and the others that popped out was its children.

It was 40 to 50 feet long with the wingspan of 40 feet. Along with its 6 children that stood in about 30 to 40 feet, I fought them all off of while having the burning scorching sun on top of me.

As for Percy, that was the day I found out that she was weak against snakes. So yeah, I did all the work. I was so dehydrated; lucky Bors found us and showed me a watering well. I know what I did was bad, but I didn’t care, I just dove right in.

[Veronica] “Oh and there was the time we—“

[James] “That’s enough about the past Percy, that isn’t important right now.”

[Veronica] “Ah, you’re right. I should keep some, so that by the time were alone, we could reminisces together.”

Actually, I just want you to stop. I remember them too and I didn’t really like it. But if that’s the only way for me to get her to stop talking about past, then let’s just go with that.

[Owens] “So you’ll keep saying yes until he is hired?”

[Veronica] “That’s a given!”

Looks like Percy is dead set on having me as her bodyguard, but then again, if she’s coming with me then we need to stay together, so I guess pretending to be her bodyguard is a good plan.

But still, I know that she doesn’t mean anything bad, but due to her being absent minded, I get into so much trouble.

By the way, her manager has been quiet for a while now; he has his fist clenched while trembling. Is it really that hard to say ‘No’ to her…...forget that question, it is hard.

[Owens] “F—fine, but he has to say close to me.”

Looks like he finally gave in, just like the rest of the people who try to say ‘No’ to her. But why would I stay close to him if my job is protecting Percy?

[Veronica] “Eh, no way, I hired Mori, so he will stay close to me, I won’t let you take my time with, even if it’s manager!”

That’s what I was thinking, but the way she says it kind of makes it feel like I’m being fought over by perky teenage girl and a four eyed old man.

And since I’m the one in the middle, it doesn’t make me happy at all, particularly the old man part. More like, what make you think that your manager wants to spend his time with me, doesn’t that seem weird to her!?

[Veronica] “Anyway, all I have to do is change my clothes right? Come on Mori, let’s go to the dressing room.”

[James] “Huh—whoa?”

[Owens] “Wait, he doesn’t have to go all the way there!”

Once again, I’m also agreeing to what her manager is saying. But before I even get to say anything, Percy is already dragging me to the back of the stage.

While I’m being dragged away against my own will, I notice Ms. MIlanor and her family staring at me in a daze.

[James] “I…I’m sorry Ms. Milanor, but I guess something came up…um…well, see you guys round I guess.”

Though Ms. Milanor and her family still looked confused, when I said my farewell, she gave me a thumbs up, which is strangely energetic.

Wait…could it be that she’s, no they’re thinking…

[Milanor] “Good luck with your relationship.”

[Miffca] “Do your best mister.”

[Welford] “It’ll be tough to have a relationship with a big celebrity, but don’t give up.”

I knew it; they think that I’m Percy’s boyfriend! Shit, I don’t want to get in anymore trouble I better tell them right now that I’m not.

[James] “Hey, listen I’m actually—Huh?”

I was about to clear the misunderstanding, but I quickly notice what was happening in the corner of my eyes.

Everyone in the restaurant had their smart phones pointing at me and since I don’t hear any camera clicking sound, I’m sure that every single one of them are using the video function of they’re phone.

Of course I panicked more, but I still need at least one person who I could clear the misunderstanding about.

As I face Ms. Milanor where her family is still seated, my hopes quickly got wiped clean like an easy to remove stain.

[Milanor, Miffca & Welford] “…………………..”

They had their phones pointed at me as well…huh? I have this slight feeling of Déjà vu.

No, forget that for now; what’s more important is I need to clear this misunderstanding and—

[Veronica] “Hey Mori, do you want to see how much I’ve grown?”

[Everyone] “……………………………………………”

*Bleep* *Bleep* *Bleep* *Bleep* *Bleep*

Damn it! Because of Percy’s word just now, everyone is sending not only videos, but photos to god who knows where!

*Vrrrrr…*

While being dragged by Percy, my phone that I put in my pocket vibrated.

To be honest, I don’t have the time for this. I’m already know that the one who just sent me a message on my phone, it’s either Reshulla or Ana or Robin, or even all of them. I want o ignore it, but I did made a promise.

Since one of my arms is being held by Percy, I used my only free hand reach in my pocket to get my phone. I quickly open my message and I was right, it came from the girls.

What the massage consisting…

From: Robin Altorez

Title: How are you?

Sorry for suddenly TXTing you out of nowhere, but me and the girls just can’t stop thinking about you. I’m pretty sure you could already tell that we miss you, a lot.

Anyway, you don’t have to worry about us here. Teach is surprisingly acting normal…enough, as for Ana, she’s been called by her family a lot, so I guess I’m not the only one who’s busy.

But more importantly, to stay safe, it doesn’t matter even if you are powerful, we just want you to come back home unhurt.

But then again, the reason why they want you there to begin with most likely includes something dangerous. But even so, don’t get yourself hurt too badly. We’ll all be waiting for you.

PS. We just saw this in ***tube, try watching it.

http//www.***************************

Well, that’s all I wanted to say, but don’t you dare forget, come him safely, alright? XOXO

For the past few months, I’ve already received a few TXTs from the girls, but this is the first time I got those ‘XOXO’ thing. As I recall, those things means ‘Hugs and Kisses’, kind of makes me feel nice getting them.

Oh, I almost forgot. Robin wanted to show me something, I wonder what it is?

Since the phones that are made today has the function that could easily send you to the specific website jus by pressing the words.

So of course I’ll be able to go to that website with ease.

I might have said something about not having much time because of this misunderstanding, but since I’m starting to feel better because of Robins TXT. I guess I could watch the video for a bit.

With my emotions slowly calming down, I pressed the website that Robin sent me and wait for it to buff.

By the way, I’m still being dragged my Percy and since I’m checking my phone, I let her pull me and just leave it to her.

Oh, the buffing is done. Now let’s see what this video about?

Hmm…so it’s about a couple, huh? They must be famous for having a lot of people take a picture of them.

But still, they sure a daring, they’re cling to each other without even minding the onlookers. Must be the Actor’s Composure or maybe they got used to being in the camera so much that they no longer mind it.

Now then, let’s see what’s on the comments…

[***************]

Wow, check it out! Veronica, the Veronica Olson has a boyfriend!

[************]

Can’t be, I never seen him in any movies or even in a TV series. Maybe they’re just good friends?

[**********]

No way, do you seriously think that she would cling like that to a simple friend?

[**************]

I think so too, they’re too close, he must be Veronica’s boyfriend!

[****************]

Nooooo! Give me back my Veronica!!!

[**************]

The guy’s looks is scary, but if you get used to it, he actually looks pretty good looking. Veronica looks happy to be with him too.

[James] “Hehehe, these guys must be in a lot of trouble, hehehe…hehe……*Sigh*”

Who am I kidding, no matter how much I escape reality; I won’t be able to ignore this kind of situation.

I don’t really need to explain this, but I’m pretty sure that the guy they’re mentioning right now is me. After all, there is no way that I’d forget my own scary look. I’ve seen that face all the time every time I look at the mirror in the morning.

*Vrrrr…*

Once again getting a massage on my phone, I slide the screen open and read the massage that comes from Robin.

From: Robin Altorez

Title: This Video…

You’ll be explaining about this video to everyone once you get home, alright?

[James] “…………...yes Ma’am.”

Following my own words, I reply Robin massage while hoping that the girls wouldn’t be too angry.

[James] “………………….They’ll be angry…”

But then again, Reshulla did say that it’s OK for me to have another…wait, what am I saying, I didn’t start going out with the girls just because I wanted a polygamous relationship!

It just so happens that I fell for not one but all three of them, so I guess you could say that I fell in love with them by chance I guess.

But more importantly, what am I going to say to them once I get back home? I couldn’t really lie about it, since the video is very clear, making other excuses might make them angry.

[James] “*Sigh*……………Huh?”

I wasn’t able to notice, but since I’ve been pondering about what I should say to the girls, I notice myself seating on a chair all of a sudden.

[James] “How in the—where am I?”

[Veronica] “Hmm, what do you mean, your inside the changing room.”

[James] “Eh!? Already!?”

I’ve must have been in a daze for at least 15 minutes, because I didn’t even notice myself entering the changing room.

As my eyes wonder around the room, I notice multiple colorful dresses. Some dresses the expose a massive amount of skin that is made for the certain festival in Rio, some dresses are made for…um…special kinds of dances and some are made just like Percy’s.

[Veronica] “Do you want to try some?”

[James] “……………What make you think I want to wear any of these female clothing?”

She didn’t answer back, she merely lifts her shoulders as if saying ‘Beats me’ while having a blank look on her face.

Seriously, if I wasn’t a sane person, I would most likely open her head just to see how she thinks of anything. But for some reason, I still think I wouldn’t be able to understand her even if I did open her head.

As I continue to think about Percy’s thought processing, she walks toward the closet and brings out a bag. She then rummages through the messy stuff inside it.

If Robin was here, she would most likely scold her severely.

Finally finding whatever she was looking for, she suddenly throws it towards me without even saying anything.

Of course I was able to catch it easily, but she could have at least warned me first.

[James] “A Tablet…wait, you mean the reason the Queens wants me in London is because…”

[Veronica] “Yup, I was told to show it to you……”

What a surprise, I never would have thought that she could make a serious look like that. But if what she wanted to show me make her get serious like this, then it must be very important.

I press the switch on button that is place on it upper right edge, the words ‘Slid to Unlock’ quickly appears.

Following what is says, I swipe my finger to the right and to my surprise, what I found was...

[Villager] “Oh no, we’re being attacked…”

[James] “………………The Queen is having problems with the game Clash or Clans?”

No way, is the Queens seriously calling me over all the way to London just for a game, couldn’t she just play Candy Crush!? I mean that game is perfect for mothers in her age.

[Veronica] “Ah, wait a minute, that isn’t it, that’s my game…wait, I’m being attacked!?”

[James] “…You should put more defense rather than offence; you could be attacked out of nowhere after all.”

Wait a minute, this can’t be it!

[James] “Percy, why did the Queen call for me? Is there something happening in London?”

[Veronica] “Th—they got so much…auu~”

[James] “Percy.” (Did she lose?)

[Veronica] “Huh? Oh right, I think Gramps gave me a copy of the video…ah, here it is.”

I’m not really sure what happened to her game, but she gave me the tablet while making a depressed look……hehehe, what am I saying, she lost. I mean the way she built her village was such an easy win.

After giving me the tablet, she walks behind me with a sad look.

Oh well, I might as well leave her alone, I’m sure shell perk up in just a few minutes.

Moving my attention towards the video, I gently pressed play with my finger and wait for the video to start.

What is shown now is nothing but a black screen, but son after a voice of a man that seems to have nobility-like tone.

[???] “Good Morning, Good Afternoon and Good Evening your Highness. Though we have never met in person, I am still delighted to have a minute of your time.”

Black screen disappears and the shadow that was covering the man revels himself. The light raises form his feet slowly.

The legs was a normal man’s, wearing a black formal pants and black loafers. In the middle of his feet that stood straight was as a stick, he seems to be holding on to a cane of some sort.

[???] “I am her to announce your country’s fall. Oh, but when I mean by your county’s fall is that I’ll be taking over not only your status as the top, but also the power that you hold with it.

Your people will become mine, the men will be my servants, the women will take care of my seeds and the children will be my cattle.

Yes, that is the kingdom I will be making once I am the new king.”

As the light continues to go upwards, the figure starts to change. Unlike his straight legs, his arms are covered in an abnormal amount of muscle that makes it about 5 inches thick and covered in hair with pure black colored nails.

He wore a black tailcoat with a bright red vest and a white inner shirt. If worn by a normal sized man, it might look good, but the one who is wearing it in the video had a large body with the wide of 30 inches.

[???] “Oh dear me, how could I forget my manners!? Here I am ranting about my beautiful plan and yet her Highness ponders on whom the next crowned king will be. I do offer my sincerest apology.”

After saying sorry, the man steps into the light.

Though he was wearing a classic top hat, he still stood in about 8ft. he had light orange sideburns that reaches all the way to his jaw.

His face was elongated with a square-like chin and a fang pops out from his lower jaw, exposing it on his lower lip.

He wore monocle and had light blue eyes.

Finally showing himself, he first gave a gentlemanly bow and lifts his head, gave out a big grin and energetically introduced himself.

[???] “I am the new up-coming king, but since I’m still not crowned, you can call me by the name of..."

He then takes of his top hat and revels his name and that was...

[???] "Mr. Hyde.”

by the way, please give me a lot of comments, i love reading them after all!