Disclaimer: Ib is not owned by me.
Note: There are some OCs, 'cause the Ib cast is very small.
"life beats down and crushes the soul and art reminds you that you have one"
―Stella Adler
Slipping, falling, crashing. Reverberating promises of tryst, swept up into one. Ocher hearts, dipped in sin cascade through the muddy pool, illuminating the abysmal domain with elongated waves that slosh against the cavern walls endlessly. It was hovering above the pool, drifting softly like smoke, a spectator, luminescent in self. Slowly lingering in repose of a waking state, there but not. From above, towering over abysmal oceans casting shadows around the corona.
Whispers, soft and cold descend into the pool, murmuring and gurgling from choking. Eyes, ancient and blind, glower from the depths, knowing all, telling nothing, but portraying something. Rising to the surface, straying and wafting, only to hit the glass. Disconnected, withdrawn, dying...
Gone.
Ib awoke with a lurch, sitting straight up as she breathed hard. She tried to calm down as images flashed behind her eyelids, broadcasting the clear image of the creature from the Gallery that had attacked them. She had barely been able to fall asleep due to all the events that had happened, and her dreams were only a reflection. Within them she had been unable to do anything but be idle or, in some cases, run only to feel as if it were through thick syrup that she would never be able to get out of. There were always figures, laughing, crying, screaming, and reaching for her. To top it off, right at the end she witnessed that creature tear apart Amelia's, Luno's, and Garry's respective roses.
Her heart thundered in her chest for some time as she realized she was safe in her room, no longer in the Gallery. It was all a dream, nothing more. Feeling more composed and alert, Ib got up and set about getting ready for the day. The showcase was Friday, a mere two days away. Which would make it a week since she'd arrived at St. Rose...it was almost unbelievable that today was only the fifth day...So much can happen in such little time.
She stepped out of her room to get in line for the showers, not paying much attention as the line moved along. Ib was ready to just meet Garry and the others for breakfast and have a relatively normal day, or at least as normal as she could achieve. However, she knew that when lunch came around the main conversation was going to be about the Gallery and the course of action they should take.
Strategies blossomed inside her head as she quickly showered, thinking each through, but it was highly difficult as there were many loose ends and questions left answered. Besides, she also needed to have them look at the half finished painting she had found last night.
After grabbing her school bag, Ib was ready to head out. She walked through the hallway and glanced at the stairs, nearly expecting Amelia to suddenly appear and hug her, but the hyper girl was nowhere to be seen.
'Maybe I should go get her?' Ib contemplated this. Though they had known each other only a few days, Amelia felt like...a best friend? Ib internally nodded at this conclusion, deciding that it felt plausible. Besides, she wanted to make sure Amelia was alright since even Ib had had a tough night.
In a matter of mere moments, Ib knocked on Amelia's door, listening to the shuffling from within before the door was thrown open. Amelia, only half wearing her uniform, smiled and hugged Ib, "Good morning, Ib! I can't believe you're here!"
Ib was dragged into the room and took a seat at the desk, listening to Amelia go on about something while getting ready. After a few minutes of idle chatter Amelia was finished and grabbed a plastic shop-like bag from her desk.
"Alrighty, breakfast time! Let's go!" Amelia joyfully announced, striking a pose. Ib just passed her to the door, not batting an eye at the display. Amelia followed after her.
"Hey, you look really tired. Were you not able to sleep either?" Amelia asked after a moment of silence. Ib slowly nodded, "Nightmares."
"Ah, I know what you mean, but it's all okay 'cause we'll be prepared next time and we now know its weakness, right?"
Ib nodded, prompting Amelia to continue on, but Ib could tell that she too was a bit scared, more so than she was willing to let her see.
"Thank you," Ib suddenly stated. She could feel herself become embarrassed over the whole thing as Amelia looked at her strangely.
"For what?"
"...For being here and for assuring me." Ib elaborated, and wasn't too surprised when Amelia hugged her again, squealing something about her being cute.
"You're welcome, but it's not something you need to thank me for. I want to do it and it's also selfish, 'cause I'm also trying to convince myself, but I'm sure we'll all be okay because we have one another to help us out. I'm positive that Garry and Luno would agree! It's scarier to deal with things on your own, so don't ever hesitate to tell one of us if you're overwhelmed or afraid! We're friends, and friends help each other. Now, it's food time 'cause that totally sounded less cheesy in my head, meaning that I need fuel." Amelia rambled, feeling embarrassed herself for saying something so...sappy, but she shrugged it off. It was for Ib. Enough said.
They arrived at their table and greeted Garry, Luno, and Soaru whom were already situated. Before Ib could say anything Amelia dragged her away towards the foodline in a hurry. Once Amelia let go Ib scrutinized her, taking in her slightly red face and fidgeting.
"Amelia, are you nervous about something?" Amelia looked at the brunette and opened her mouth before closing it and gripped the thin handles of the plastic bag tighter, "Y-Yeah, I thought only Garry, Luno, and us were going to be at the table so I could give Luno his shirt back."
"What's wrong with giving it back with Soaru there?" Ib questioned, not understanding.
Amelia fidgeted and leaned in to whisper to avoid being overheard, "Because no one else knows that I was wearing his shirt yesterday outside of us and it's just really embarrassing."
Ib just nodded, understanding only a bit more than she previously had. However, she decided to voice her own thoughts, "I don't understand why it's strange to you, but if you wait there's a higher chance of something going wrong rather than doing it now in front of only Soaru."
It took until they were half way through the line for Amelia to finally reply, "Yeah, it makes sense. Soaru wouldn't be one to say anything about it, and even if he did I could try to make something up."
"Try to make what up?" Asked a voice behind them, which caused Ib to blink as she turned her head to look at the newcomer, while Amelia smiled brightly and started chattering away.
"Oh, oh, Liam this Ib. Ib, this is Liam, he's the one who first introduced me to Lumi and Luno." Amelia looked between her bespectacled friend and Ib in pure excitement.
Red met ocher as they greeted one another politely. The young man was taller than Amelia, maybe even more so than Garry, and his most distinguishing feature was a small mole under his left eye. Ib noticed that he kept taking off his glasses to clean them as they conversed, which was almost distracting, but didn't want to point it out.
"So, don't you normally have classes by now?" Amelia asked excitedly. She then looked at Ib, "He's majoring in jewelry and those classes start earlier due to all the time that goes into detail and crafting."
"Yes, my classes usually start earlier but today the teacher has decided to start later due to the concert. A good portion of the students are involved with helping to set up, making props, or are a part of the show."
"Oh, that's cool. You can finally eat with us for once!" Amelia cheered, hugging him. "Oh, I bet Luno will be happy too! You two normally only see each other during your sixth period class, and then you go off for a seventh class."
"Yeah, but I actually have to leave in fifteen minutes."
Amelia pouted. Ib pointedly looked at Liam to diffuse the wheat-haired girl's irritation, which he nodded at in understanding. "Do you two know that there's going to be a festival in town this weekend? The school has graciously decided to help out and take over a few stalls and is asking that students help out and attend."
Ib nodded, "Garry told me about it. He asked me to go."
Amelia perked up at this and grabbed Ib's shoulders, "What, really?"
"Yes, he added that it was going to be a group outing." Ib tacked on, not understanding why Amelia looked almost disappointed, but then mischievous. "Of course! We'll discuss this later and let Garry know we're going. I'll even do some research so we can plan it out."
Ib nodded, to which Liam gave her a surprised look. He then looked between the two girls as they idly made conversation and inwardly sighed as he realized admittedly that Ib was probably innocent and didn't fully understand Amelia's double meanings, which was either for the better or for the worst. However, he could clearly see that they were compatible friends as they strengthened each other because they were different, yet alike...somehow.
Liam trailed them back to the table where the guys were still seated. Amelia placed down her tray and held out the plastic bag in front of Luno's face, her own face heating up as she did. "T-Thank you for letting me borrow your shirt the other day!"
Luno nodded, his own face betraying nothing to those who didn't know him well enough, but Liam and Soaru could tell that he was also affected...maybe even blushing? Both made eye contact, remembering the events leading up to why she even had to borrow his shirt. Both averted their eyes, remembering it clearly. The trepidation, the confessions, and the general sense of peace of having the other next to them, of knowing that they weren't alone. There was also the promise that they had made.
"Thanks, it wasn't a problem. I'd do it again." Luno rambled, moving to take the bag. His hand touched Amelia's and for a moment they both shared a secret sort of smile before Amelia receded back into her seat. Luno put the bag on the floor next to him and continued eating.
Ib and Garry shared their own look after that. It wasn't as intense, but almost just as meaningful. It was one of understanding, of knowledge, and yet simple in nature. The look itself was comforting as they both were healing from the events of yesterday, a simple look to check the other for any fear or wavering.
Soaru looked between all of them, his own confusion reflected back by Liam. The two didn't know what to make of the situation or if there was anything to make at all. For all they know, something had happened and Luno had valiantly offered Amelia his shirt. However, Soaru knew about the rumours from yesterday and Ib had confirmed that the four of them had been in a closet...which was weird by itself, but the main question was why. If it was simply just a mishap then he could let it go, but he could tell something was different in the dynamic of their relationship. He almost felt...distant to them, a stark contrast to two days ago.
The biggest offenders were that Amelia wasn't jumping all over Garry for sitting close to Ib, her lack of telling people to fall in holes, Ib glaring at Dmitri the other day and tearing up, Luno's reactions to Amelia giving him the bag, and Luno's general concern towards Garry and Ib, which had been miniscule two days prior. Let's also not forget the constant glances that appeared to be some form of secret language between the four of them.
Soaru couldn't wrap his head around it. How could those four have gotten so close in only a day? Before he could try to dissect it he felt the need to glance behind him. He almost wished he hadn't because he could clearly see that Gillian and Dmitri had heard and seen the exchange. He got to his feet and greeted them, trying to make it seem like they had just arrived.
"Dmitri, Gillian, I have something to show you guys in the hallway. The student council is taking a poll about the food and I want to evaluate you guys." He lamely explained as he ushered them out of the cafeteria, throwing a goodbye behind him.
"Well, that was really weird." Amelia commented, causing Liam to sweatdrop, which happened again after Ib agreed and Garry questioned why Soaru hadn't told them about the poll. Round three came with a vengeance as they started to debate on the reasons. He looked over at Luno, expecting for him to have a clue, but nearly smashed his head on the table when he remarked, "I don't like their mushrooms."
Liam, exasperated, sighed and stood up. "I'm going to class."
"Hold up, I'll go with you." Luno stated as he also got to his feet.
"Hey, don't forget that we're eating at the cafe today!" Amelia reminded the blond, who nodded in her direction and told them goodbye before walking away with Liam. The chestnut haired boy wanted to question his blond friend, but was conflicted about if he should. They had been friends for a long time, but there were still things that one should leave alone. Was this one of those things?
"You cut your hair?" Liam asked instead, now noticing that the usual long blond locks weren't present.
Luno nodded, resisting the urge to run his hand through his hair. He wasn't too upset about it anymore, having decided that it was a testament to his promises with Ib and Amelia, but it still felt strange to have his hair short.
"Why did you do that? Something happened." Liam deduced, which didn't surprise Luno in the slightest. They had been friends long enough to tell when something had happened.
"It just happened."
"Did it happen at the same time you gave Amelia your shirt?"
Luno thought it over, "I don't believe so. It probably happened afterwards."
"You're not sure?"
"No, Soaru had to point it was uneven yesterday."
"Oh," was his slick response as he mauled it all over. Luno wasn't giving him much to go off of, but he deduced that something big had to of happened.
"Were Ib and Garry involved?" Luno stopped and turned to face him, his brows furthered in irritation.
"What is this; the Inquisition?"
"Is there a reason for it to be?" Liam asked as he folded his arms. Luno's eyes narrowed at his question, "No, nothing I can think of that would result in this."
"Well, then would you like to explain your recent behavior? There's something up between you all, and Garry and Ib seem to be at the core of it." Liam stated. He had only met Ib today and Garry a few days ago, but he could tell that something was off about them.
"It's none of your business." Luno responded coldly, not wanting to talk about it. However, Liam was his friend and he wasn't going to let this go unless he was given an answer. So, Luno dropped something that would calm him down, if only a bit, "I owe Amelia a favour and she pushed me into helping them out since they're new."
Liam didn't believe it for a second, but decided to accept the answer for the moment. He could be concerned all he wanted, but Luno wasn't ready to budge. He sighed inwardly; this was going to be a hectic weekend.
Ib walked out of her third period class while still conversing with Lucy and Rose about their plans for Saturday. She spotted Garry waiting for her and bid the two girls goodbye before heading over. The two giggled as they walked away, reminding her about Saturday. Ib nodded at them before turning her full attention to Garry.
They walked towards the cafeteria where they were to wait for Amelia and Luno as Ib and Garry didn't know how to reach the cafe. They idly chattered about their classes, Garry laughing when Ib told him that someone had called her a fuzzy-fuzz ball, and then about books. When Luno and Amelia finally spotted them they were so engrossed in debating about a character's drive that they didn't notice them until Luno and Amelia were right in front of them.
"Oh, sorry," Garry awkwardly said, rubbing the back of his head.
Amelia waved him off in favor of dragging them off towards the cafe, explaining that it was student friendly in prices before listing off nearly the whole menu. Luno added things that she forgot and informed them that half of the menu was based on free lunches for students who had financial aid. However, there was a limit to the amount of meals one could have at the cafe due to needing to make a profit.
"The cafe offers food that the cafeteria does not, supplies the school with funds while also paying the students and other workers who run it, and it's popular with music and fashion department sometimes hold shows there for auctions or charity events sponsored by the cafe." Luno informed the two, letting it all sink in before adding that the cafe was only half owned by the school as a generous business investment from a private investor who donated whatever the cafe made to the school, along with a hearty check every other year.
Ib wasn't sure what she was suspecting from this big whig cafe, but it certainly wasn't this. The building seemed to be in excellent condition with all windows accounted for and spotless. It was made of dark wood and brick with cream trim. The interior was almost homely, yet reminiscent of a coffee shop with a brown, white, and red colour scheme. However, there were other colours that popped up to make up for it. The light filtering through the windows projected a golden glow onto the marble tables, creating an illusion of a late afternoon.
There was just something about the place that put Ib as ease, and it didn't appear she was the only one who thought so. Garry seemed just as awed, only more expressive about it than Ib, as he took the cafe in.
"This place...I wasn't expecting for something like this to be here," Garry started only to trail off as he was still captivated by the place.
Amelia laughed at his expression, which seemed mellower than usual. Luno's expression also softened into one of content. Ib nodded to herself; the cafe's atmosphere was to blame as it just had a calming aura.
They picked a booth near the corner window, a safe distance from the other customers so as not to be overheard, and then moseyed up to the counter to order. Ib blinked at the cashier; recognizing her from one of her classes. If she recalled, the girl's name was Elsa, and once spilled water on Ib's drawing. Whether it was an accident or not is still debatable, but Ib was content with just letting it go.
Elsa looked none too pleased to see Ib or Amelia, instead locking her gaze with Garry when she asked, "What can I get you?"
Garry and Ib looked up at the menu board, thinking it over as the other two ordered right away. "Have you ever heard of half of these?" Garry asked Ib, glancing down at her. His expression was puzzled as most of the menu carried things that he hadn't had before, or that he couldn't remember having, but same difference.
"Yes, which ones haven't you heard of?" Ib replied. She looked at where Garry was pointing on the menu before going through it with him, explaining what was on it and sometimes adding her own opinion.
"Excuse me, but there's a line," Elsa interrupted, though they were really the only two in line, before smiling over at Garry, "If you have any questions about the menu feel free to ask me."
Garry's brow furrowed, "No thank you, I know what I want to order."
He listed it off and handed Elsa his I.D. She swiped the barcode and handed it back, half listening to Ib's order. After that they headed back to the table to wait for their food to be cooked. They slid in next to each other and Amelia nearly growled, sending metaphorical daggers at Elsa.
"That girl is really rude! Did you see the way she brushed Ib off?" Amelia seethed, feeling the urge to smack something.
"She did the same to you," Luno pointed out, to which Amelia shrugged.
"I once tripped her during our dance class by accident."
"I'm not too surprised by that," Luno stated as he took a sip of his latte. He paused after only a baby-sip, his face morphing in discontent. "This isn't made properly. What are they doing back there, letting apes run the blender? I'm going to demand another one."
Amelia dragged him down just as he stood up, "No! That's her plan of action. She's known throughout the school for getting orders wrong on purpose to talk to cute guys."
Luno blinked slowly, "What?"
"Amelia just implied you're cute." Ib summarized.
"Ib!"
"What?"
At this point in time Garry and Luno were laughing, the latter sitting back down, while Amelia was rivaling a tomato as she stared at Ib in betrayal, "I thought what we had was special, Ib! How could you throw me under the bus like that?"
"You're still clutching his arm," Ib stated with a gesture towards the offending limbs. Really, Ib only acted this way around her father and mother...'It's been a long time since I could freely talk like this.' She gave a small hidden smile, blaming the cafe for her sense of relaxation while enjoying it as Amelia started to sputter and nearly threw herself against the window to increase the distance between herself and Luno.
"Oh, so you don't think I'm cute anymore?" Luno teased, the smirk on his face growing as Amelia groaned and smashed her forehead into the table. She briefly glanced up to seek sympathy from Garry.
"Gar-gar, they're being mean to me." Garry sweatdropped at the nickname, but then rolled his eyes at her whining.
"You deserve it."
Before Amelia could retort, and oh did she have a good one, their orders were called. They declared a truce and headed for the counter. Luno paused by the counter and handed Elsa his latte, "More whip cream and make sure to actually roast the beans this time, thank you."
Amelia failed to keep in a snort at Elsa's gawking face, having to turn around and lean onto Ib's left clavicle to stifle some of the noise. Ib looked up, making eye contact with the cashier. She glanced quickly away, knowing that Luno's words had already insulted her and that Amelia laughing about it must be embarrassing. However, a tiny part of her had enjoyed it...but only because Elsa had been highly rude to her for no apparent reason. If anything, Ib should be the one angry at her for the whole water fiasco a few days ago.
They sat at the table and began eating, an unprecedented silence befalling them. Ib could feel herself slowing down as she knew what they would have to discuss here and now. There was no running from it, especially with the promise she made to Marry...and the silent one to Kate. She wasn't going to sit idly by while Kate was in trouble and Mary was crying for help. Sure, the danger and thought of anyone dying terrified her, but the thought of just abandoning the two made her stomach twist into complex knots. No, there was no way she could do that.
"Okay guys, let's get this over with. We have one week until D-day and we need a plan of action," Amelia spoke up, breaking the tense silence.
Ib nodded in agreement as she placed her fork down. Next to her, Garry slowly nodded, "Just where do we begin? How do we prepare for something like this?"
Luno glanced at all of them, "The beginning. Ib, Garry, knowledge is power and you two seem to be the biggest enigmas. From what Mary told you, Garry, this is not your first time in the Gallery and it's safe to assume that it isn't Ib's either."
Garry and Ib nodded at this, knowing that the Gallery felt too nostalgic to just be a coincidence.
Luno continued, "We can't have any secrets between us concerning this. I want to know what you know or even why you don't know. Try to start at the beginning."
Garry gulped, unsure if he was ready for this. He had only admitted this to Mary and those that called themselves his family, but this was a dire situation and if he was somehow connected to it then he didn't have the right to hold back.
"I don't remember much. I don't even remember how old I used to be. I was in a car accident and it was only two years ago I awoke from a coma. I only remembered my name and this strange feeling that I was forgetting something important. I didn't know what to do until I saw a flyer for this academy, and I just knew that I had to come here."
Amelia's face was grim at this, while Luno remained stoic, and Ib felt strange. Garry's story reminding her of her own. It had been years ago, but the feeling of loss and disappointment still lingered. She couldn't remember where she had been going, only that she was meeting someone important to her.
"Wait, didn't Marry say something about the Gallery becoming unstable a couple years ago?" Amelia asked, lowering her voice and leaning in. Her brows were furrowed in concentration as she tried to put the pieces together.
"Let's hear Ib's side before we start trying to draw parallels," Luno stated as he looked to Ib.
"It's rather strange. When I was nine I remember going somewhere with my parents and meeting someone, but I can't remember where it was or who I met. We had planned to meet somewhere, but then I only remember this feeling of loss and disappointment. I-I..." Ib gave pause, trying to think back as the lingering emotions tried to stop her, pushing her away with harsh warnings. "I only remember one thing."
Garry put his hand on her shoulder as she hid her face in her hands, soothingly asking her what it was.
"Fear. I was scared, but I don't remember why." A searing pain gripped at her heart, making it hard to breathe. The heat encircled her eyes, desperately searching a way out through her aqueducts, but Garry had enveloped her in a reassuring hug.
"Amelia," Luno said as he looked over towards his companion who desperately wanted to say something.
"Okay, so Mary mentioned that it was a couple years ago that the Gallery became unstable, which is also the same time that Garry came out of a coma. Coincidence much? What if the person Ib was meeting was Garry? Think about it, you two feel nostalgic in the Gallery and towards one another. If we can piece together what happened the day Garry was hit by that car then we might have a clue as to what happened to the Gallery for it to become unbalanced."
The other three occupants blinked at this, mainly because it seemed to make sense and this is Amelia...
"It would make sense, but if they were out of the Gallery then how could those events have triggered anything?" Luno put in.
They sat in silence for a moment before Garry softly conceded, "Vessel."
"Vessel? i remember you mentioning it yesterday briefly, but what does it have to do with anything?"
Garry unwound Ib from his arms, unknowingly keeping one of his fidgeting hands in hers for comfort as his other hand latched onto the table. His eyes narrowed slightly as he leaned in, as if afraid that Elsa or the very few other customers were trying to listen in, "Mary said that vessels are meant for It. I don't know what this being is, but if we die in the Gallery then our life energy is transferred to It. Kate was taken because she had been there before."
"It's starting to make more sense," Luno mused. "This Gallery, if Mary is telling the truth, has existed here for an unknown amount of time...since this it was born. It is the core and is being sustained somehow, possibly through the vitality of all those who dare enter. Let's create a hypothesis; The Gallery is attempting to trap visitors in order for them to sustain it."
"But Mary said that this it isn't bad!" Amelia chimed in, nervously looking between them all. "If that's true, then maybe it's that guy you mentioned, the cloaked one."
Garry nodded, "Mary did say that he didn't originally belong and was the one who took Kate so that it wouldn't...wither or die, something along those lines."
They all paused, stumped at what to say next. There were too many questions and not enough answers. Ib debated on saying anything. Garry had relayed just about the whole conversation he had with Mary, and then some, and one thing kept nagging at her. However, she wasn't sure if it would be useful to them...but Luno did say not to keep anything quiet.
"From speculation, this cloaked man seems adamant on making sure that it doesn't wake up, which may be why he took Kate in order to postpone the awakening, but why?"
"Mary, nor does anyone else, know what will happen after it awakens. Perhaps this figure fears for their existence?" Luno supplied, unsure of it himself. His words felt erroneous to him, and he was relieved to see that he wasn't the only one that felt this way.
"I don't think that's the whole truth," Amelia stated before moving closer to Luno while leaning further into their square, "but Mary implied that Kate wasn't alone when she went...which means that whoever else was with her is probably in danger of being taken like Kate."
"Ah," Luno piqued up, not bothering to move away from Amelia, "That's another thing. How do we know that no one else has been a victim? Just about everyone not involved has forgotten about Kate, so who is to say that we haven't forgotten someone before?"
A chilly silence settled upon them at this revelation.
"Well, it's just a guess, but what if when you die or something in the Gallery your existence is erased in this one?" Amelia inquired quietly, blue eyes locked onto her lap.
"Yes, but wouldn't you and I have been affected? You two possibly have an immunity seeing as how you both may have been to this Gallery before, which should be confirmed between you two to tell us, and thus are not affected." Luno reminded, closing his eyes in thought.
"Luno, Lumi seemed deeply upset over Kate and Soaru spoke of a previous incident like it..." Ib left the sentence hanging delicately. She had not the faintest idea if these two were connected or not, but it was worth a shot.
Luno's eyebrows crinkled as he tried to recall the conversation before a sense revelation crossed his features. He smiled, "My sister was right, you are very perceptive, Ib."
He turned to address all of them, "It was just after Soaru arrived, when Lumi started to ramble on about one of her friends going missing and no one remembering her. She had said something about the guidance counselor..."
The mood shifted uncomfortably.
"After Kate went missing, students were ordered to go visit the counselor. I ended up forgetting and didn't go," Amelia added. "Could that be why I remember Kate?"
Luno crossed his arms as he quietly thought it through, "I don't lie talking with the counselor so I opted not to go either."
Ib and Garry blinked, "I don't remember much, honestly. Ib had to convince me that Kate even existed and then I remembered that it was big news just that morning. Yet, I'm sure I did visit the counselor only I don't have any recollection of going."
"I felt something was wrong and it persisted until I saw the drawing." Ib stated.
"Drawing?" Luno inquired curiously.
Ib nodded, explaining how it had come about and the persistent words in her head that wouldn't be thrown to the side. By the end, Luno was sighing and Amelia's forehead had crinkled as she processed all the information.
"It seems that this is going to take more than one lunch break. However, we shouldn't waste the next week not preparing. We should look into this matter and investigate."
"What should we be looking for?" Garry inquired.
"Oh, how about this 'father' guy and the counselor?" Amelia listed.
"There's also the task of finding out who may have gone with Kate into the Gallery," Luno added.
"There's something else," Ib spoke up. "There have been odd disturbances in the room next to mine since I arrived. Just last night I happened to enter and find a strange painting hidden under the bed. It reminds me of Kate's."
"We'll meet up after dinner and check it out, is that alright with everyone?" Garry asked, but no one objected.
"Oh! One more thing before we have to go," Amelia chimed her voice gleeful and mischievous. "This Sunday at the festival Luno and I will go with you two! It'll be so much fun! The others can come too and it'll be a big group event."
She quickly latched onto Luno's arm, sending him a look that clearly implied that she would fill him in later on what was going on. She turned back to the other two who had agreed to go as a four-man group on Sunday to the festival.
"Let's get going; classes will be starting soon." Garry reminded.
They begrudgingly agreed and ushered out, disposing of their trash along the way. Amelia bounced over to pester Garry while the other two made small talk, the atmosphere lifting as they eased back into the comfort of each other and idle chatter. As they parted ways, Garry couldn't help but to wonder just what the connection between the Gallery and himself was.
He didn't want to know, but at the same time he did. It was terrifying either way; to forever wonder who he is or to find out. It was a conundrum lost inside madness. When he dwelled too far into his mind he felt fibers of his being just begging to be released, ripped from him as if it were a blooming bud. Still, there also was the part that coiled itself in slippery tendrils into the far recesses of his mind, sobbing and pleading to just let sleeping dogs lie.
Every part of him was at a constant war with one another, except the thoughts that focused on Ib. Sure, he was insecure and his thoughts were working themselves into clumsy knots about her, but all of him agreed that he didn't want her harmed. Earlier, they had discussed on Kate's companions possibly being in danger, but what about them? It wasn't, likely, limited to just Kate and company; they could also be targeted.
His heart sunk at the thought. He didn't really want to think about it, but it pestered him; the thought that Ib or the others could be harmed, or even die. It was enough to make him break out into a cold sweat, but he persisted towards class. He asked to be excused to make an emergency phone call, which his teacher allowed.
He paced the halls near enough to the class room for comfort, but far enough that he wouldn't be disturbed. Luno had suggested trying to verify what happened that day all those years ago. Maybe it would link up to Ib's? What if it didn't? Was it all just a coincidence, a rather large and misleading one?
Garry would have to figure that out.
His hands trembled as he begrudgingly called the only number in his contact list, ruing the day he was given the contraption. The line rang a few times, his nervousness rapidly increasing in between. After the seventh ring someone finally picked up, "Who's this?"
Garry sweatdropped at his older sister's aggravated tone. Of course he had called when she was irritated. It figured. "Hey, sis, it's me...Garry..."
He could feel the woman roll her eyes as she responded, "Cut to the chase. FYI, if you can't stop pacing then plant your ass on the floor. Now, stop shaking and give me a reason on why I shouldn't fly over there and hit you for not being in class, dork?"
Garry slid down the wall until he was half seated. He took a few deep breaths to calm his nervousness while trying to figure out a way to broach the topic. His sister tended to get rather sensitive about it.
"I need to know about that day. It's really important."
The other line was quiet for a beat.
"For the millionth time, I've already told you what happened to you!"
Garry held the phone away as she went off on a tangent. He patiently waited for her to finish before replying, "Sis, I'm serious. Who was I meeting? Why? Had I gone to any places up to a month before the accident? If so, where?"
"What the hell is this, 21-questions?"
He paused, allowing her to collect herself and sort through it all before adding, "Have you been lying to me?"
There was a tired sigh, "I haven't exactly been telling you the whole truth. I know you were meeting someone at some cafe...I believe you met them at that stupid exhibit you went to?"
"Which one? Do you remember the name of the person or the gallery?" Garry quickly listed off, trepidation sweeping through him at the prospect that this really could be linked to Ib's own story.
"Chill the hell out! One at a time, no, I have a better idea...I'll mail you some of the stuff you kept from the exhibit and text you the details of what I remember."
"Why can't you tell me now?"
"'Cause it was a long time ago and I don't have all that crap in front of me! You've waited these past few years, another few days won't kill you!"
Anger seeped into him. "You're right, I've been waiting years for even the smallest detail to remember who I am, something that you as my family were supposed to help me with, but can see now that you didn't give a damn." He hung up before she could reply and laid his head on his knees.
He hadn't meant to get so angry. His sister was someone who left things out if she didn't write it all down. He knows that. Yet, her last comment had pushed him over the edge. Why hadn't she told him the whole truth before? Why couldn't she say it now? This was all so frustrating and he just wanted to yell and punch something! Why couldn't she understand that not knowing had slowly been killing him since he awoke? It's painful, so painful.
The possibilities of who he was swirled in his head, bring them a whirlwind of such horrible images. He could have been a serial murderer, a rapist, a pedophile, a criminal, or a corrupt politician...maybe even a cab driver. He still doesn't know. It's painful and horrifying. If he was some ax-murderer than would a misplaced memory stop him from killing again if he suddenly got the overwhelming urge to?
During his recovery these thoughts had cycled, feeding him lies and deceit. He didn't trust his doctor when he assured him his record was cleaner than blank memory. It had taken his sister beating it into him and forcing a gun into his hand while directing it to her forehead for him to get that he probably wasn't some type of murderer. That incident had been really traumatic and shocked him back into reality.
Garry felt ready to cry, but just as he was ready to give up he felt like he was being watched. He lifted his head enough to peer up, shocked to find Ib staring back at him from her own crouching position. "What are you-"
She cut him off by pushing his head back into his knees. She got to her feet and turned around, "I'll make sure no one bothers you."
"Thank you," he softly croaked, his voice cracking as a few tears spilled from his eyes. However, all his anger fled, leaving behind regret for how he had acted. His sister had been the one by his side after he awoke from his comatose, helping him along the way. She had, and still is, worried about him. He would call her and apologize tomorrow.
His thoughts drifted to Ib and he silently thanked whatever deity was out there for her. Her attempt to console him was better than the first time when they had gotten lost when they first arrived. At that time, she had just squatted down and stared at him in her own way of trying to cheer him up. Garry agreed with Lumi, Ib was perceptive. Her awkward attempts to comfort people, though unorthodox, were rather cute and meaningful than just asking if he was okay.
He wiped away the unshed droplets and stood up. He glanced at Ib and then at the floor. He knew that Ib wouldn't press him for information if he didn't want to talk about it, which he was thankful for. He decided to go out on a whim and ask, "What are you doing here?"
"Class is over."
Garry paled. A glance at his watch confirmed this fact and he started off trying to comprehend that he had spent his whole class period on the phone with his sister and then wallowing in self pity. The two headed to Garry's class, the lavenderette apologizing profusely for taking the whole class, and promising to make up the assignment.
The teacher waved it off, handing Garry an assignment sheet and instructing him to take a quiz on how to prepare some type of German dish that would account for his participation in class. After ten minutes, the two went to the cafeteria and proceeded to grab trays. After some time they made it to the table and plopped down, noticing that Amelia, Luno, and Gillian had not arrived yet. They seated themselves and noticed that Dmitri seemed to be in a rather foul mood.
Ib gave pause, assessing the situation at the table. Soaru was the only other participant as Lumi's practice would run late and the others had yet to arrive. She thought back to her first day at St. Rose and how Dmitri had helped to calm her nerves by simply being kind towards her. She debated on whether or not she should attempt to dissuade his mood. Finally, she decided on something small.
"Are you not going to eat?" she asked, not bothering to glance at the untouched food on his plate. His eyes briefly met her vermillion ones before looking back towards the door. He didn't bother responding, which Ib took in strides, though it stung a bit.
Garry came to the rescue by roping her back into his own conversation with Soaru which, to Ib, was rather dull as Soaru seemed a bit off, though trying to appear normal, which caused an uneasiness to poison the conversation. Garry seemed to be catching on, but ignoring it all the same.
The two shared a look, questions mirroring each other, but no answer to be given. Ib had a small suspicion that Dmitri was upset over someone, judging by how he was trying so hard to not look like he was watching the entrances, which means that it could be because Ib had avoided the question of why they had come out of a janitor's closet the other day.
Gillian drifted over to the table a moment later, sighing as she sat down. The red-head briefly answered the half-hearted question about her day before eating, not really paying attention to anything in particular.
By this point Ib and Garry were uneasy. Tension radiated from the normally talkative table that was oddly silent today. It reminded Ib of unpleasant memories, such as the time a little boy had to sit across from her at a table during a party. It had taken him barely five seconds before he started bawling and yelling that only monsters have red eyes. His parents apologized profusely, but the damage had been done. From then on many of the children had dubbed her 'demon' or 'monster.' Even her name had been used against her, which is why they agreed to put her nickname on her transcript here. Whenever she introduced herself it was always with her nickname.
"Are you alright?" Garry whispered, to which Ib jumped at. She hadn't realized that her eyes had slowly started to water. She swallowed the negative feelings and gave a small nod in reply before turning back to her plate.
At that present moment she happened to see Amelia walk into the lunchroom and skip over to the lunch line, whispering to Luno about something or another. She glanced over at Dmitri and nearly cringed: he looked livid. Gillian's lips had pursed as Soaru remained neutral.
The tension sharpened significantly, but Ib was stuck in her chair. Her instincts were screaming for flight, warning her that she was likely to get hurt, just like all the other times, but instead she remained seated. If she moved it would draw attention to herself and she wanted to make herself as small as possible.
Amelia arrived at the table, spouting an apology for being late. "Sorry, I had to change and then Mr. Diu wanted to see me."
"What, you fucking him too, da?"
Ib felt the bite behind the harsh language. Amelia's smile slowly wavered as her brows creased in question, "What?"
"I just implied that you're a whore, but I guess we can add slow to the list as well." He sneered.
"This isn't funny," Amelia merely replied. Ib watched as her gaze shifted uneasily and her shoulders slightly hunched inwards as if to protect her.
"I think that's enough," Soaru piqued up, but it was half hearted and small.
"Cut the good guy act, I know for a fact that you're sick of it too!" Dmitri ordered, and the young Japanese man didn't argue as he knew his friend was right.
"I'm tired of it too," Gillian voiced as she crossed her arms. "You were always slow and noisy, but I didn't take you for someone who would hurt other people's feelings."
"What are you guys talking about?" Luno interrupted as he arrived, having been distracted with speaking to another student about a project.
"I can't stand either of you. A stupid, ugly, rotten girl who can't even shoot a decent picture and some narcissistic orphan."
Ib felt something slice at her heart as Amelia's face distorted with each insult thrown her way. She looked between them, not understanding how it had all come to this so quickly. The only thing Ib could really comprehend was that her heart beat was starting to accelerate and she was shaking uncontrollably, her hands balling into fists. Ib was scared, unsure of why this was going on. She had felt angry before, but never something like this.
A chair screeched across the floor. It took Ib a moment to realize that it had been her chair, and even longer to register that the angry voice was her own. "Don't ever talk about her again like that! What type of friend are you?"
Though surprised by the outburst, adrenaline bounced Dmitri back, "I'm no longer friends with the likes of them. They only started acting strange when you and Garry started showing up, so why don't you both just get lost, da? You're eyes are freaky and I can't stand looking at you!"
Ib felt like someone had slapped her. She tried to tell herself that it was nothing, that it was normal, but this time the blow had been from her blind spot. She hadn't ever had many friends, so to have Dmitri and the others except her had been a treasured moment. She hadn't expected for someone she had accepted as a friend to throw those words back at her.
Her vision started to blur for some reason and it took her gently touching her eyes to realize that she was crying. Shocked by her own tears she hadn't registered that Garry, passive and easy to startle Garry, had done something no one expected him to do. He had stood up to his full height and grabbed Dmitri's collar, raising a fist to punch him.
AN: Cliffhanger! This chapter was going to be longer, but I really needed to cut it there. I already had the next few paragraphs written, but those can just go into the next chapter. I watched all 11 episodes of Anohana today and bawled my eyes out at the last episode. My heart now feels heavy and I don't know what to do anymore. Gah! It's so beautiful! I cried more than I did for Clannad (including the after story). The music just resonates with you and the story is amazingly life-like. However, a part of me every so many episodes got bored, but they have to build plot! I mean, just look at this chapter! Plot.
NOTE: The actions of Dmitri and the others are intentional as it is going to help further the plot. Plus, there may be a reason behind it.
P.S. Longest chapter with over 8,000 words...oopsies. MERRY EARLY CHRISTMAS TO EVERYONE!
WARNING: Next chapter contains shameless fluff and dancing. Inspired by Anohana: The Flower We Saw that Day.