Light From Uncommon Stars(40)

“Katrina. Don’t be silly. No one is going anywhere.”

Katrina stopped. The voice from behind the door was Miss Satomi’s. But there was no pounding. And the voice was soft.

Shizuka opened the door, looked at her, closed her eyes, and nodded.

“Wash up and come downstairs. Let’s have tea.”



* * *



Katrina listened to footsteps descend the stairs. When she was sure no one was outside, she walked over to the bathroom and washed herself off. She removed her makeup, then put on the long blue skirt that Astrid had said was adorable.

There was no excuse for what she’d done. She would be humble. She would apologize for being …

Being what?

A crazy, strange thought came into her head.

“Don’t I have a right to be who I am?”

She could feel her heart pounding as she reached for her makeup. She reapplied concealer, a light powder, and blush, then redid her eyes and lips. Then she held her head high and proudly left her room.

Her poise lasted less than five seconds.

Miss Satomi was intently viewing her laptop. Katrina could hear her own voice over the speaker …

“So. You post these, and people watch them and tell you that you are wonderful?”

Katrina felt faint. This was weird and messed up and embarrassing.

“I’m sorry!”

“Sorry?” Miss Satomi asked innocently. “This is quite lovely. Tell me about it.”

She turned the screen around. Katrina was playing her violin.

“It … it’s the title track from The NetherTale,” Katrina was finally able to say.

From her expression, Katrina knew that Miss Satomi had no idea what she was talking about.

“The NetherTale,” she explained. “It’s an adventure game. It happens in a fantasy world.”

“Like Disneyland?”

“Um … not exactly. The premise is that you have been condemned to Hell. Your goal is to win your soul back and find a way to freedom.”

“What?”

Shizuka’s eyes flashed fire as she shot to her feet. That was far too close—exactly the way Tremon might play with her.

“M-Miss Satomi?”

Shizuka smelled the air and looked around suspiciously. But she could not sense the demon anywhere. And the girl?

“I’m sorry.” Slowly, Shizuka returned to her chair. “It’s just that I didn’t expect that.”

The Queen of Hell took a deep breath and tried to smile. “After all, the music is so gentle.”

“W-why wouldn’t it be?” Katrina asked, still recovering from shock.

Now Shizuka was even more confused. Hell was Hell. To win your soul back meant killing. If anyone should know, it would be her.

“If I understand the premise, you’re in Hell?”

Her student shrugged. “Most people play the non-killing route. You make friends and save the souls you meet. That’s how you get the best ending.”

What? Non-killing what? She would never have conceived of such a thing! How does one even do this? How can one escape Hell without having to kill?

But no. This was just a game.

A game.

Shizuka did not have time for games. In front of her was a student who needed her support and guidance.

“So you make a video, and you get paid?”

“You have to post it and need a minimum number of views, but basically yes.”

“This video has over fourteen hundred views.”

“Yes. I got about six dollars for that one.”

Shizuka nodded. Technology changes, but profit margins remain the same.

“Of course, pornography pays more,” she observed.

Terrified, Katrina waited for what would come next.

But instead of someone shouting or hitting, Miss Astrid brought over a bowl of fruit.

“Here, dear, have some strawberries.”

“Don’t we have pie?” Miss Satomi asked.

“But you’ve not yet had dinner.”

“I think it’s time for pie.”

“Yes, Miss Satomi. I’ll bring some out now.”

“With whipped cream, please.”

“Of course, Miss Satomi.” Miss Astrid disappeared into the kitchen.

“Miss Satomi—aren’t you angry?” Katrina asked.

“Of course not. You have no idea what has been done in the service of music. However, Katrina, with your talent, you have choices. There are a lot of different ways to fuck on camera. Or onstage. Find a way that goes beyond a one-night stand, one that makes you larger than life. At least find one that pays better.”

“Is that what you did, Miss Satomi?”

“Katrina, I drive a Jaguar.”

“Wow…”

“So, let’s go over some rules. As my student, don’t bring anyone here, and when you go out, tell either me or Astrid. Whatever you do online, you are not to be stupid. As for money, Astrid will provide an allowance. If you need more, let me know. No drugs, ever. And be careful. No picking up diseases that a trip to the doctor cannot cure.

“Oh, and Astrid will have your hormone prescriptions filled. Just let her know what you have been ordering. If you need a doctor, we will get you one—we should get you one, anyway. And, Katrina?”