Hello Everyone, Black Falcon 01 again.
Last time i did a chapter it left off with ending of a brief IS battle, and I don't think Im getting very far with the story of Kestrel, so I'm going to do more chapters with information as to why little Kestrel is so mysterious and finally give Kestrel his IS, which is Personaly owned, but I don't what chapter that might be on. So once again, bear with me. In the meantime, Kestrel now gets more aqquinted with Ichika and his friends, and finally gets to know which room he is going to be sleeping in. Along with the translation problem between him and the entire academy!
Tameing Kestrel chapter 4:
"Hey Kestrel" - Ichika calls with a happy and pleasant tone. Even though Ichika lost that short IS battle to Laura, Ichika remains full of pleasant emotion, but is also left full of dread due to a very nasty scolding from Maya Yamada and some other teachers due to Laura's dynamic entrance through his home room wall some hours earlier. Ichika remaining full of fear as to what Chifuyu is going to do to him when she finds out that the academy needs repairs yet again due to a bunch of students operating IS in an in-correct manner, but for now Ichika can put all that behind him, he is now able to talk to Kestrel in person.
Since the IS battle Kestrel has been to the academy cafateria, been to 2 lessons without problem or incident, and gotten even more popular with the whole academy female population. Throughout the day Kestrel has had a constant barrage of questions in a tounge that he can hardly understand, smothered by a sea of soft flesh, breats and sweet smelling perfumed females and walked - or dragged/ it's been both in some areas! - around an academy that seems endless to his small body, but now... alone in the cafeteria, Kestrel can now decompress. So maybe a bit of man to man company would'nt hurt.
"So how's your day been so far?" - Ichika continues with a pleasant smile. Kestrel remains silent but sends back a cautious smile. "Oh..sorry, you can't understand me" - Ichika continues with an embarrassed face. Kestrel amazingly managing to understand what Ichika is trying to say, and in a small, clear voice speaks out "My..Japanesse..is not very good..I'm sorry". Ichika looks forward and sends a pleasant face back and walks forward to the white, round table where Kestrel is sat at.
"Its okay, you're new here, and my native tounge is new" - Ichika tries to explain, as he gets to Kestrel's table and sits down across from him. Kestrel makes a nervous face and looks towards a corridor, Ichika whom confusedly follow's Kestrel's head direction, begins to hear female voices. A thump is soon heard, Ichika looks ahead of him and finds Kestrel has placed his head upon the table, his long black hair spreads out across his back and on the table.
Ichika sweat drops but smiles, soon hearing Israeli language coming from Kestrel. "I know, its hard is'nt it?" Ichika speaks with sympathy and pity. Kestrel begins to roll his head from side to side on the table, and continues muttering out Israeli phrases. As the female voices become clearer, one of them turns out to belong to a woman Ichika knows all to well, Maya Yamada. Soon enough the popular green haired teacher walks around a corner and comes into view, with her is a group of students, obviously finished lessons and are beginning to decompress like himself and Kestrel. Upon seeing the two boys together, the female group begin either gossiping or begin walking forward towards Ichika and Kestrel. ( "Oh boy, this is going to be tough!" ) - Ichika awkwardly thinks to himself. - Who would have thought being so famous would be so difficult to cope with!
"Orimura! Can I speak with you?" Maya calls out with a pleasant yet curious tone. Ichika closes his eyes for a brief moment and dreads whats coming ( "Oh man, what have done wrong now?" ).
However dispite being wanted, its Maya whom approaches both boys, and by the time she gets to Ichika, he's already being interogated and fussed over by at least 8 differant schoolgirls. Ichika letting out an awkward face, this time without a smile. Ichika even glances at Kestrel, whom keeps his head on the table, and remaining silent. Some schoolgirls are firing questions at him, but Kestrel remains still. Ichika then glances back and Maya whom by now has arrived at Ichika's table. "Orimura..." - Maya begins with a pleasant smile,
"Ah...yeah?" - Ichika replies with concern
"I have a message from Orimura Chifuyu, she says to "Have the new kid room with you, that way you may have less trouble from miss Bodewig each and every morning.." - Maya begins, with a hint of bashfulness at the end of the statement. Ichika closing his eyes and chuckling with nervousness. Some of the 8 schoolgirls beginning to look away trying to hide their failing giggles, however as Maya regains her composure she continues "..Also, having the new kid room with you will also save any trouble from trying to find any single living accomodations, if theres any trouble or any problems just report it to the staff". Ichika manages to smile at the end of the message, and looks towards Kestrel who's head remains still, face down on the table.
"Is there any problems here?" - Maya asks with concern, having noticed Kestrel's front slumped on the table. Ichika glances at Maya and then back at Kestrel, and with a soft smile speaks out "I think it's a bit difficult for Kestrel to manage without someone to help translate what where saying to him", Ichika's eyes are full of pity with each word that comes from his mouth.
Maya smiles and closes her eyes, she lets out an awkward "Heh,Heh" and puts her hands behind her back. 4 of the 8 schoolgirls sweatdrop but smile sweetly. 3 of the said schoolgirls pet Kestrel's head, and try to resist giving the little one a hug better. "Ah...yes, well... we are planning of setting up a language course here but we've yet to find someone that speaks Israeli". Maya begins to explain whilst looking down at Kestrel. "In the meantime all we can do is make his stay here as comfortable as possible" Maya finishes, now putting her hands together in front of her. Taking the chance the 8 schoolgirls begin to sit around both Ichika and Kestrel, many squeezing past Ichika to sit on the soft, padded seating between both boys. As the schoolgirls begin to ask Ichika questions about the IS fight with Laura a voice comes out, getting everyone's attention. "Hello Ichika".
The voice belonging to the popular french, blonde ponytailed Charlotte Dunois, walking towards Ichika's table with the famous black, long haired ponytailed Houki beside her. Some of the students sitting beside Ichika erupt into a see of gasps and cooes. Ever since coming to the academy Charlotte has become some-what of a legend, not the least bit more famous since she was discovered to be a girl and not a boy. Maya still standing, claps her hands together and pleasantly speaks out "How marvelous, looks like everyone is getting along fine!".
"Yes, sure are" - One of the schoolgirls aggrees, sat just beside Kestrel, her left hand resting on the young boy's back.
"Wonderful, Wonderful" - Maya continues, with a bright and cheery expression. "Now I do appologise, but I must return to the staff room, if you have any problems don't hesitate to call" With a pleasant bow exchanged with Charlotte and Houki, Maya walks away. Charlotte and Houki's attention now directed at Ichika and the amount of female company he has with him. Houki closes her eyes and an anger twitch appears on her temple "You seem to be having a good time Ichika". She speaks out. Ichika confused, tilts his head and gives out a dense "Huh?"
"Don't bother, Don't bother" - Houki huffs out, with her hand palm facing Ichika, her head looking away in annoyance. Charlotte on the other hand is more observant and kneels down to look at what the problem is with Kestrel. "Is he alright Ichika?" Charlotte asks with curiosity. Ichika immediately looking Charlotte in the face and smiling kindly "Yeah, its just everything is new to him and all, you can tell he's not used to it" Ichika explains glancing at Kestrel with a happy look. Charlotte acknowledges with a smile of her own and a look of pity on her own face.
"I wonder what his surname is" - Asks a short, white haired schoolgirl, with the look of wonder on her face.
"I find it hard to think a child would just be called Kestrel, surely he must have a surname" - Acknowlegdes another schoolgirl with long brunette hair.
"Yeah, but.. untill we get a translator, all we know is that his name is Kestrel" - Ichika aggrees with a clear tone of curiosity, aswell as a look of wonder spread across his face.
"I heard him singing this morning, he has a sweet little voice don't you think?" - The red, ponytailed school sat beside Kestrel states with pride, her hand now rubbing the young boy's head.
Ichika smiles with happiness, he remembers clearly how Kestrel's defiant singing saved him from the nagging of Cecilia. "He sounds very patriotic, look.. he's even wearing the jewish star" Charlotte states reaching for Kestrel's star of david, but before her hand can even touch the pendant sticking out from under Kestrel's clothing, Kestrel reacts with lightning spead, his hand covering his pendant, jumping back and sitting up straight before anyone can react. Ichika and the others jump in surprise, Charlotte getting the full brunt of the lightning reaction. Houki is only slightly startled but when she looks at Kestrel's face, she can see nerves and strangely the look of a cornered animal, ready to fight to the death. "I don't think you should try touching that" Houki states as if its a matter of fact. Charlotte glancing towards Ichika with a shocked expression, Ichika merely shrugs his shoulders. Kestrel's eyes don't leave Charlotte for a single moment, his small hand clutches tightly to his star of David.
"Hey its alright, I'm not trying to steal that" - Charlotte speaks out after standing up straight again. Kestrel remains quiet and still, the Schoolgirl that was petting his head, places her hand on his shoulder, Kestrel immediately deflates from his startled posture, and looks everyone in the face. The looks are very nerve wrecking to him, Kestrel's heart seeming to slow down and then suddenly spead up. Ichika leans his head forward and smiles softly, "Don't worry kid, she's friendly" - Ichika speaks with a kind tone, motioning an open hand to Charlotte, Kestrel follows Ichika's hand and looks Charlotte in the face, she and Houki look Kestrel in the face and make the smallest, yet friendliest smiles they can manage. Kestrel's heart beat seems to slow down and he looks Ichika in the face, Ichika eyes are warm and friendly, he nods and repeats twice "Charlotte... Houki...Friends". Kestrel looks at Houki and Charlotte, both girls remain very still and smile normaly.
"Charlotte..." Kestrel softly speaks out, whilst pointing at Charlotte. Ichika kindly speaks out the word "Yes... Charlotte, friend". Charlotte closes her eyes and beams a loving smile at little Kestrel after kneeling down to his head level again. She blinks a few times and before she knows it Kestrel has extended and arm out, and is saying something in Israel. Charlotte blinks, but quickly understands what Kestrel is trying to do. Charlotte grabs Kestrels hand, the two exchange shakes. All schoolgirls smiling in amazement at how well Ichika is handling the situation, one thing is for sure, Ichika would make a great parent. Then what happens next amazes everyone, Kestrel springs from the spot he is sitting and whilst looking Charlotte in the face, extends an arm out as a gesture. Charlotte and Houki are immediately surprised. Ichika and the schoolgirls with him are even more surprised at how friendly Kestrel has just became.
"I think he's asking if you want to sit down" - A schoolgirl with an Orange braid claims.
"Ahh...Thankyou" - Charlotte happily speaks, and sits in the spot where Kestrel was sitting. Ichika gets Kestrel's attention with some hand waves and pats the padded seating beside him. Kestrel dispite being generous walks over and sits beside Ichika, Houki remains amazed at what has just happened. ( "Wow! That kid, hardly speaks a word, he's nervous and timid and yet in less than a few seconds he's offering you his seat. I guess Ichika is a lot more capeable with situations than I thought" ).
- 20:00pm IS Cafeteria -
"WELCOME KESTREL!" - A loud cluster of female voices shouts out, Ichika's voice is amoungst them. A loud cluster of party poppers and bangers erupt followed by what seems like a hailstorm of confetti. All students in the cafeteria holding up a white, plastic cup in their hand. Kestrel amazingly looking confused, but the look on his face clearly shows he sort of understands what the celebration is in aid of. Kestrel's time in IS academy seemed to be getting more and more intense by the second, however Kestrel still managed to exchange bows and speak a very clear "Thankyou" to everyone he saw. Kestrel's surprise welcoming party was a surprise after he was guided out of the cafeteria a handful of hours earlier to be given a full and proper tour of the academy by a group of students.
As Kestrel completes his bow and calls out "Thankyou", a student grabs Kestrel's hand and pulls him towards a catering table. Waiting there are group of popular students, the British cadet Sara Welkin, 2nd year Forte Sapphire, 3rd year Daryl Cayce, American Tina Hamilton and the popular Rin. Ichika, Cecilia, Laura and Charlotte take the chance to talk to each other whilst Kestrel gets pre-occupied with students that have'nt got to know him properlly yet. - Though with a language barrier, getting to know Kestrel any better than what they already know will be difficult. "Looks like our welcoming party is a success" Laura speaks out with confidence. Charlotte raising an eyebrow at the German girl and sighing "Hey don't crack open the champagne! The Kid's been struggling since coming here!".
"All the more reason why we should welcome our new recruit" - Laura speaks with her chest puffed out.
"Honestly! Who was it that did the planning for this party!?" - Cecilia protests, with her hands clenched in to fists held firmly at her sides.
"That is irrelivant to this discussion" - Laura replies, Cecilia beginning to pout due to having her confidence and ego shattered.
"He seems like a very nice kid" - Charlotte claims before taking a drink from her cup. Ichika smiles but then frowns, "Yeah, but... the way he acts sometimes, it seems like..."
"Like what?" - Charlotte asks with curiosity.
"Like...he's been through...well...sort of what I went through after I was abducted by terrorists" - Ichika claims with concern. Cecilia, Laura and Charlotte becoming concerned as a result. It can't be denied that Kestrel has been twitchy but he's been pleasant, and not against getting dragged around, but even so...its true, there is something with Kestrel.
"How can you be so sure of that?" - Charlotte asks with a confused look on her face.
"You can sort of tell" - Ichika continues with a neutral expression on his face, Laura taking a glance at Kestrel and taking a drink. From what Laura can see Kestrel is acting perfectly, currently with a group of students, and tasteing samples of food. "From what I can see, theres nothing wrong with him" Laura claims.
"I was'nt talking about now, I meant earlier, when he reacted quickly to Char approaching his pendant, he stared at her like he was looking into the eyes of a tormentor" - Ichika continues with a concerned look, Charlotte beginning to remember that moment. "Yes... I remember now, he looked at me like I was some sort of beast" - Charlotte speaks out.
"Honestly! You two are simply being paranoid! That child is simply timid and yet to master his skills against adults like me!" - Cecilia comments, her voice having a hint of pride on that last phrase. Ichika, Laura and Charlotte sweatdropping.
"You can say that, but... I really think something has happened to that little boy" - Ichika speaks out, with concern in his voice, Charlotte pats Ichika on the back in an act of reasurance but she can't stand for him either "Well...maybe Cecilia's right, maybe its just because he's new here and he's away from home" Charlotte states. Cecilia scoffs with pride, letting her ego get the better of her would get her into serious trouble one day. "If you desire it, I can try to look up his files, and gather some data on this Kestrel boy" Laura comments. Ichika normally would refuse the offer, but surprises everyone by saying "Please do that Laura!"
"EH!" Charlotte and Cecilia exclaim, Ichika immediately defusing the misunderstanding by adding the words "I just want to be sure, YOU want to be sure, we ALL want to be sure". Each and every one of Ichika's words carry concern, and as a ressult that immediately makes both girls think in support of the idea. Laura taking pride that Ichika has asked for such a favor of her.
"Alright then, but... I still say we should'nt jump to conclusions" - Charlotte speaks with a hint of fact. Cecilia quickly downs her drink and claims out with a tone of authority "In the mean time, we keep our noses out, and keep our mouth's shut!". Ichika puts on a serious look and nods. "I Know something's wrong, those ocean blue eyes of his, I can see pain in them, pain that can't simply be healed by bandages and medicine" Ichika speaks with a serious tone, yet with sympathy and look of sorrow on his face. Cecilia, Laura and Charlotte, taking a long stare at Kestrel whom is once again surrounded by schoolgirls whom seem to show no end of mothering the youngster.
- 30 minutes later -
By now the party is in full swing with some students singing, some students discussing studies or matters, never the less people are all having a great time. Houki has managed to get to speak with Ichika alone, and even though Ichika has mentioned his concerns for Kestrel, Houki responds to his concerns by stateing the exact same things Cecilia had mentioned, therefore leaving Ichika to change the topic and go to other things. However it makes a change from discussing embarrassing matters like his defeat to Laura this morning. Meanwhile Kestrel is with Cecilia and a group of other IS academy students. Cecilia boasts away to Kestrel about her acheivements, but unfortuneatly not a single word gets out to the youngster.
However some schoolgirls that can clearly read the signs that Kestrel can't understand her merely take the chance to get some cheap amusement from it. However the conversation becomes more interesting when Yuzu Tanimoto, Sayuka Yorutake and Honne Nohotoke ask Kestrel a question that no-one else has dared ask him yet. "Hey Kestrel, how did you get that horrible scar?" - The question coming from Yuzu Tanimoto, however Kestrel tilts his head and gives her a confused look. Then the a very close friend of Cecilia, Shizune Takatsuki asks Kestrel again, this time placeing a finger under her right eye and drawing a line towards her ear. "Scar... How did you get that scar?", Kestrel pauses... looks at Cecilia and her friends and points at his face, Cecilia and her friends nod in confirmation.
Kestrel then, with a very timid look traces an index finger over his scar. Cecilia smiles brightly and nods, Kestrel's face goes white and he looks to the floor, his ocean blue eyes filled with swirling emotions.
4 minutes pass a Kestrel remains perfectly still, not moving and not speaking, even though some of the schoolgirls speak to him. Realising it was mistake to ask that question Honne dashes over and places a hand on Kestrel's shoulder, Kestrel is taken by surprise and lifts his head up in surprise, but his face returns to a comfortable image when he sees the popular fizzy drink Coca-cola in her hand. Obviously Kestrel has a consumable that anyone and everyone should love! "Hey lets just forget about how he got that scar, this is a party for heaven's sake!", Kestrel's eyes remain full of emotion, but at least he manages to smile and say "Thankyou".
"Wow did you see Ichika and Laura in that battle today!?" - Yuzu exclaims with excitement
"Typical of him! To loose so quickly to the German floosy!" - Cecilia barks with annoyance, Kestrel looking with confusion at the screaming blonde, whilst over 12 Schoolgirls either sweatdrop or hold in their sniggers.
"German what?" asks an all to familiar voice, causing Cecilia to nearly stubble to the floor. "L..Laura..ah.." Cecilia sheepishly laughs, trying keep her cool. As Laura begins to question Cecilia about what it was she was talking about, Honne and her close friends begin opening multiple boxes of sweets.
"Hey Kestrel, you don't eat that much food" - Honne begins with a hint of wonder, the look of confusion is pasted upon her face. Never the less she still looks very friendly with her long sleeve clothing obscureing her hands.
"He's a little boy, therefore he would'nt such a large amount" - Yuzu comments, just beginning to eat a chocolate bar, Kestrel taking a glance at Honne, a sweatdrop comes down the side of his temple. "Hey, speaking of IS, when do you suppose Kestrel will be operating his?" Honne asks with a smile, but with a curious face at the same time. Hearing the question Laura stops interogating Cecilia and immediately replies with a simple answer "Tommorrow, Kestrel will be given IS lessons tommorrow".
"GREAT! We can finally see how this kid operates an IS" - A girl with long red hair calls out. Cecilia being her usual ego self puts a hand to her chest and in a very classy, rich manner, closes her eyes and speaks "Obviously he'll want training from a fully experianced and mature instructor if the staff here ever need a substitute!"
"Yes, I'm sure he'll get that chance Cecilia" - Shizune speaks with either an envious or nervous look. Cecilia however does not get the image as what Shizune just portrayed and instead continues with her prideful image. "Ofcourse!, and as he appears to be child with such good tastes, I belive he would really like me to reward his future lessons with some good, homemade cooking".
"Now, we can't expect him to eat your food Cecilia!" - Mutters a french accented voice. Cecilia frowning, and turning quickly to meet her insulting friend. The well known Charlotte Dunois, with a partially eaten icecream in her left hand. Charlotte knowing full well that Cecilia is about to fly of a temper handle, quickly and successfuly manages to change the subject by asking how well lessons have been doing for Cecilia and her friends. From that point on the conversation does not change or take any turn untill 20:40pm when the students around Kestrel suggest trying to get better aqquainted with him and Charlotte taking the chance to have some personal fun at insulting Cecilia.
"Now Kestrel, repeat after me...ahem...Cecilia...You..Are..Beautiful!" - Cecilia speaks out with an authorised tone, Kestrel tilts his head and instead finishes eating a caramel, chocolate bar. However, Cecilia is not to be stopped, and after a brief moment of managing to get Kestrel to understand what she is trying to say, Cecilia repeats her phrase..
"Cecilia..You..Are..Beautiful", Cecilia then motions to Kestrel to repeat, Kestrel stutters at first but clearly manages to repeat the words.
"Cecilia..You..Are..Beautiful" - Kestrel repeats with confusion. Cecilia whilst sat down on a green padded chair sticks out her chest in pride, blushes a bit from the comment Kestrel has just spoken out, however with an eager sense of excitement, Cecilia quickly relaxes and comes out with a new set of phrases. Kestrel pays very close attention to what Cecilia is saying, but remains confused. Never the less the students with them, give Kestrel a light round of applause every time Kestrel completes a sentance. Ichika and Houki soon becoming interested in what is happening and walk over to see what is happening.
Upon their arrival they meet with Rin, Charlotte and Laura. Charlotte looping her arm between Ichika's side and arm, Laura frowns at the sight, but with Houki holding on to Ichika's other arm, its best to stay quiet, and besides... this is a party intended to welcome a new student, its not to be an excuse for violence. Rin however takes the opertunity to sit on a padded cusion beside Kestrel and prepare for either a moment of boredom or a moment of entertainment.
"Cecilia..Is the most..brilliant IS pilot..in the academy" - Cecilia eagerly speaks out, whilst smiling and looking at Kestrel in the face.
"Cecilia..Is the mos'..bi'lliant IS pilot..in te' academy" - Kestrel replies with hint of struggle
"Cecilia..Has..a..perfect body..and..puts..all girls..to shame" - Cecilia once again speaks out with joy and confidence
"Cecilia..Ha'..a..perfec' bidy..and..pit'..all girls..to shone" - Kestrel replies, but its clear that he is finding this hard to keep up with.
"Cecilia..Is..my hero..and I..respect her always" - Cecilia speaks out with confidence, this time she leans back against the chair back and stares at the ceiling. However as Kestrel replies what Cecilia has said, Rin..whom has been frowning the whole time, grows tired of Cecilia's concieted self and opens her mouth, sticks out her tounge as if pretending to be sick. Some students try not to laugh at Rin's disgust.
"Cecilia..Is..my hero..and I..respi'ct her always" - Kestrel speaks. However as Kestrel finishes, Rin taps Kestrel on the shoulder, gaining his attention, leans down and whispers something into Kestrel's left ear. When she is finished she motions with her hand to repeat what she has just said to him. Poor Cecilia..never sees it coming, had she not been so rilled up in her pride, then maybe she would have been spared the embarrassment. Cecilia had been intending Kestrel to say "Cecilia makes five star food, everyone is jealous", but what Kestrel says next takes everyone by surprise.
"Cecilia..makes..five star food..everyone is jealous"
"Cecilia is..very..spiteful bitch!"
"Thats right Im a..WHAT DID YOU SAY!?" Cecilia screeches whilst jumping up out her seat, Houki, Charlotte, Ichika, Laura and as many as 40 odd students either erupt into hysterical laughter or try to holding in titters. Rin looking Cecilia in the face, smiling widely and shrugging her shoulders, Cecilia growls and gives Rin the death glares. "Yooouuu" Cecilia hisses with a blood thirsty snarl, tears forming in her eyes from the pain of sudden humiliation. Rin stands up with confidence, puts her hands on her hips and with a smug smile on her face quickly speaks out "Spiteful bitch!". With that, Cecilia screams in frustration, causing Rin to turn and run laughing wildly. As Cecilia prepares to give chase she turns, looks down and Kestrel, whom remains oblivious... and with an irritated look, Cecilia extends her arm, points and index finger at Kestrel at angrily whispers "I'm coming back for you!". Charlotte and Ichika trying not to burst out with a large amount of laughter. The last people see of Cecilia, she is jumping like an althlete over hurdles of chairs, hell bent on strangling the Chinesse girl whom is ahead of Cecilia taunting with repeats of the insult just taught to Kestrel.
As Cecilia and Rin run away into the distance and out of sound and sight, the students manage to gain control of their laughter. Charlotte picks Kestrel up off the floor and pats him on the back. Laura smiles and nods at Kestrel ( "Ooh, I love this kid!" ) Laura thinks amusingly to herself!
That concludes Chapter 4, From now on I'll try to put on a bit more detail as to what is happening and how things are developing, also please note I'm trying to keep a good sense of drama aswell as action. For the next chapter we get to see Kestrel pilot an IS, and see the effects of Kestrel's past catch up to him, WHAT EVER THEY MAY BE!
Black Falcon 01