Chapter 2
For He Is Noble
Heathcliff sighed as he stood near the back of his team's volleyball formation. He could feel eyes on him all around the field. He could feel the glares from the boys around him and the condescending, brief glances he got from the girls. Whenever he looked towards the opposing team, he glanced away as Rias stared at him with suspicion.
Akeno… He glanced towards the girl and caught her apologetic and sympathetic look.
Least she feels bad for my dumbass… Heathcliff thought with another sigh. He noticed the ball heading for him and smacked it across the court with little effort. It slammed into the ground inside of the opposing team's area and scored a point. No one cheered, they just stared at Heathcliff as they had been doing before.
If the gym teacher hadn't intervened and started the match, I think I might've died. Heathcliff thought as he was tossed the ball to serve.
[Nah, I'd have Re-spawned you.] Kiva said as Heathcliff served the ball with a brutal overhand hit. It slammed into the ground on the other team's side, again. Heathcliff sighed as he caught the ball to serve again.
Well… least I could've escaped this embarrassment for a few moments. Heathcliff thought with a silent chuckle. He served the ball with a lighter swing this time and someone managed to hit it. It came back to him, again.
Would you stay away from me!? Heathcliff thought with a sigh as he smacked the ball away. It landed inside the other team's area and he scored, again.
Winning doesn't feel like winning when everyone is against you. Heathcliff sighed as he received the ball again. He served it lightly and it finally started getting passed between the two sides, leaving Heathcliff out of the fray for the moment.
[I hear ya! I can't believe you're getting this much hate just because you asked Akeno out. It's like watching a peasant marry a queen, it's just fucking wild.] Kiva said in Heathcliff's mind. Heathcliff nodded as he watched Akeno hit the ball. He admired her. Her long hair, her pale skin, the way her shorts and shirt clung to her tight body…
"Shit!" Heathcliff exclaimed as the ball came flying towards his head. He took a step back and hit it back with little effort, it slammed into the ground on the other team's area, again. Everyone glanced at him for a moment before someone threw the ball at him, forcefully. He caught it in one hand and quirked an eyebrow at Rias who threw the ball at him.
Fuck… do you think she's noticed my enhanced abilities? You know, the fucking super reflexes bonding with you gave me? Heathcliff wondered as he served the ball again. Rias was watching him in-between hitting the ball.
[Maybe. She seems pretty perceptive, but most people would assume you're so strong because of you size and such. I doubt she actually knows I exist. I try to blend in with your skin whenever possible.] Kiva explained as Heathcliff glanced between Rias watching him and the ball, which was heading for him, again.
"Dammit…" Heathcliff muttered as he hit the ball again. He put less power into his hit and it crested nicely over the net. Rias jumped up and immediately smacked it back towards him. He was nearly distracted by her wondrous red hair and bouncing chest when she did so. Heathcliff reacted instantly as the ball came within his reach and he knocked it back over the net. He scored, again.
Fuck, I think she's testing me… Wait, how in the hell did she hit that thing so hard? She's tiny. Well, to me she's tiny. To everyone else here she's huge. Especially that chest of hers… I think Akeno is bigger, though. Heathcliff thought as someone tossed him the ball. He heard Kiva mutter something.
What?
[I said she might be. And yes, Akeno definitely has bigger boobs.] Kiva confirmed as Heathcliff served the ball lightly. It started another back and forth mission as someone received it.
How do you know? I don't even know her cup size. Rias might be wearing a bra with more slack, or Akeno might be wearing a push-up one. Heathcliff asked as he scratched his head. Kiva laughed.
[When you're a symbiotic creature like me, you start to recognize things that the human mind automatically ignores during daily activity. I have the time to focus on them, you have to focus on the game, mostly. I can tell, man, believe me.] Kiva explained as Heathcliff lightly knocked the ball back over the net.
Alright, I should've figured you'd say something like that. Also, SCORE! Akeno's got huge boobs! Heathcliff thought as a grin spread across his face. He eyed Akeno and she noticed him. She smiled sweetly at him and Heathcliff sighed happily.
She's so amazing… He thought as he unconsciously hit the ball again, scoring another point.
"Ha! You're good at this, King!" the gym teacher exclaimed as he walked by Heathcliff.
"Huh? Oh, thanks. I suppose it's because I'm so tall." Heathcliff said as he rubbed the back of his head. He had turned to face the extremely short man and felt something heading for his head. Heathcliff reached out and caught the ball with one hand, without looking at it.
Shit… I think I just gave it away… Heathcliff thought as he glanced at the ball and the shocked students. Rias, though, has a satisfied look on her face. Akeno was still smiling at him.
[Aw fuck. I told you not to use your sixth sense like that.] Kiva said with a sigh. Heathcliff growled internally.
Oh, I'm sorry. Isn't that what it's there for!? Heathcliff shouted in thought. He heard Kiva chuckle.
"Well! That's certainly something! How'd you do that, King!?" the gym teacher exclaimed, patting Heathcliff on the arm.
"I dunno, luck?" Heathcliff guessed with a fake grin. The gym teacher laughed and slapped him on the back, right where Kiva was.
[OUCH! THAT FUCKING CUNT!] Kiva shouted in anger. Heathcliff held back a chuckle as the man walked away.
"Alright class. Time's up! Head inside and get changed!" the gym teacher called as everyone started gathering together and leaving the field. Heathcliff tossed the ball to the teacher as Rias and Akeno approached him.
Fuck… Heathcliff thought as he turned to face the two. Rias stared at him curiously for a moment before speaking.
"You're not quite normal, are you?" Rias asked, crossing her arms under her bust. Heathcliff blinked at her.
[Lie.]
The fuck you think I'm gonna do?
"Uh, what?" Heathcliff muttered with a confused look. Rias smiled at him.
"Oh come now, I saw you catch that ball like it was right in front of you." Rias said as she started to circle Heathcliff. She looked him up and down.
"Like I told Teach, that was just some dumb luck. I'm pretty good at one handed catches, but I have no idea how I did that." Heathcliff said with a shrug. Rias giggled quietly and stopped in front of him again.
"Okay… Since Akeno here assures me that you're nothing but a sweetheart, I'd like to give you this." Rias said, handing Heathcliff a sheet of paper. It had an odd circle with designs on it and the back had some words that were too small to read.
Whoa, that looks like some DOOM shit right there. Heathcliff thought as he looked at the paper.
"Uh, what is it?" Heathcliff asked as he tried to decipher the letters on the back. They looked like runes.
"It's an invitation to join our club, the Occult Research Club. We have our headquarters in the old school house right there." Rias said, pointing to a small, old building far across the grounds. Heathcliff squinted through the sunlight at the building and nodded slowly.
"Okay, how's this an invitation if I can only read the one line on the front?" Heathcliff thought, glancing at the text on the front above the circle design. It was in an odd font as well.
"You'll figure it out. See you in class, Heath." Rias said, waving to Heathcliff as she walked away. Akeno approached with a sheepish smile.
"I'm sorry, Heath. I should've figured that Rias would make a scene out of it." Akeno said, bowing slightly to Heathcliff. He sighed and shook his head.
"It's alright, Akeno. It's not like every dude in school envies me and hates me." Heathcliff said with a grin. Akeno shook her head at him.
"I'm sure you can deal with it. A big, strong guy like you isn't intimidated by a pack of high school boys, are you?" Akeno asked teasingly. Heathcliff chuckled as they started to walk in together.
"Nah, I fought a huge American kid the one time in Sydney. I might've started it but he provoked me. I had like two inches on him in height and reach, but he was a martial artist. Whooped my ass real good. First few swings and he decked me after dodging all of my attempts." Heathcliff explained, as he stuck the paper in his pocket. Akeno gave him a shocked look.
"That sounds like it hurt. Were you okay?" Akeno asked, inching closer to Heathcliff. He chuckled.
"Hell no! My head hurt like a bitch the day after. Later he came by with some pain killers and cupcakes, real nice kid. Huge like a fucking building and built like he used a steel beam as a spoon, but nice." Heathcliff said with a chuckle. Akeno looked up at him in slight awe and gushed.
"Aw, how sweet!" Akeno gushed. Heathcliff felt his cheeks flush again as he rubbed his neck.
"Eh… Mum invited his family over for supper after that. He's got two sisters. Poor bastard… Anyway, still remember his face to this day, even if I was shitfaced when he decked me. Had a huge scar on the side of his face like my machete scar here." Heathcliff said, pointing to his forearm. Akeno looked at the scar curiously.
"How did you get that?" Akeno asked as Heathcliff rubbed his scar.
"Machete fight. Dude pulled a blade and gave me a nice gash. I was actually hanging out with that American kid when it happened and he decked that fellow, too. Broke his ribs with a kick, then dropped him with a jaw-busting hook." Heathcliff explained, looking over the scar as they stopped at the boy's locker room.
"Wow. This guy sounds really strong." Akeno noted as she also looked at Heathcliff's scar. She was holding his hand and investigating it closely. Heathcliff blushed as she did so and nodded.
"Yeah. He benched three hundred and seventy-five last time I talked to him. Squatted even more. Curled one of them cartoon weights, y'know?" Heathcliff asked with a chuckle. Akeno giggled at him and let go of him.
"See you later, Heath." Akeno said with a wink as she headed off. Heathcliff waved a bit and walked into the locker room. He was greeted by the glares of every guy in there.
What the…? Okay, fuck these idiots, why do they even care at this point? Heathcliff thought as he strode between them to his locker and started changing. He pulled his shirt off and cracked his shoulder. Kiva hid his mass and blended in with Heathcliff's back.
"Damn Aussie and his muscles…" someone near Heathcliff mumbled. He turned and looked down at the small, small boy that spoke.
"Got a problem with me?" Heathcliff asked, finally annoyed with them. The boy turned and looked up nervously.
"No… we're all just jealous. Every last dude in this school has tried to ask one of those girls out and you just waltz on in and do it like it was as easy as sleeping. How did you do it, man!?" the boy exclaimed, fearful of Heathcliff yet also hopeful for an answer. The rest of the boys shared the same look. Heathcliff sighed and leaned on his locker.
"I'll be honest, I don't know. I was just as bad with the ladies back in Australia as any guy here is. Maybe it's cause I'm an Australian? Maybe it's cause I told her how I felt about how beautiful she was? Maybe it's just cause we got along right away, y'know, one of them real special encounters? Who knows, man?" Heathcliff explained with a sigh.
All of the boys looked slightly annoyed and depressed after Heathcliff spoke. They were silent and their hope seemed crushed. Heathcliff sighed, again.
"Look, guys… There's hundreds of pretty women in this school. Of course you all want the best but, maybe… just maybe, the best is waiting for you and you're lookin' the wrong way. She's out there, waiting for her knight in shining armor. You ought to be that knight, I know it. I knew I was, for someone. Who that might've been, I had no idea, till now." Heathcliff stated with an encouraging grin.
The boys looked up at him again, their hope seemingly restored as they grew smiles.
"C'mon then, let's get a move on. Can't leave the girls waiting, can we?" Heathcliff asked. Everyone cheered and continued with what they were doing.
[Heath, you fucking hero! I never knew you were so encouraging.] Kiva said as Heathcliff put his uniform back on and transferred the paper Rias gave him into his pocket.
Eh, I just told them what I used to like to hear. Y'know, let 'em dream a little. Heathcliff responded as he left the locker room and headed back to his classroom.
[I know. I just figured that you were the delusional one. Seems most male humans are delusional.] Kiva said with a chuckle.
That we are. Dreams are something we hold onto, Kiva. They give us hope and courage. Make us see a bright future. It might seem delusional to an alien creature, but it's what gives us humans something to look forward to. We're not immortal, Kiva, so we have to do something with what we've got. Heathcliff explained in thought. He heard Kiva hum a bit.
[Never thought of it that way. Seems I have much to learn as well.] Kiva said thoughtfully. Heathcliff chuckled to himself.
That makes two of us…
Heathcliff sighed in relief as his classes finally ended for the day. He had some art class that he didn't even know about somewhere in there, as well as something about physics. He didn't really have a chance to talk to Akeno since she became occupied in-between classes by Rias. He didn't even notice that the redhead sat in front of Akeno.
Am I just not paying attention to my other senses? She has bright red hair. Fucking RED! Redder than blood. Are you seeing this, Kiva? Heathcliff wondered as he glanced at Rias. The redhead would acknowledge him every so often with a slight wink that made him slightly uncomfortable.
Just slightly.
[Well, I technically can't see anything myself. I just interpret your sensory information if I have to. But, yes, I do see it.] Kiva answered after a moment. Heathcliff sighed internally and rolled his eyes.
I know, that's how you read my mind. I'd appreciate it if you didn't interpret my sensory information sometimes, since you seem to do so all the time. Heathcliff responded as he packed his things up for the day. He could still feel glances shot his way every so often.
[Oh, whoops. I've gotten so used to seeing Earth through you that I forgot that I'm still a separate entity entirely. I can't have that, if I get too used to accessing your sensory information then the shock of losing it at some point might affect me permanently.] Kiva explained. Heathcliff nodded to himself as he closed his bag. He felt something heading for him, small and delicate at a slow speed.
Heathcliff looked to his right to see Akeno's finger nearly poking his cheek.
"Uh…?" Heathcliff made a confused noise, quirking an eyebrow at Akeno. She giggled and retracted her hand.
"You looked like you were spacing out for a moment there." Akeno commented with a smile. Heathcliff nodded.
"Kind of, internal conversations and all that…" Heathcliff responded as he hung his bag on his shoulder.
"Going insane, huh?" Akeno asked with a giggle. Heathcliff chuckled.
"I went bonkers awhile ago, it's just reoccurring." Heathcliff said with a grin. Akeno giggled at him.
"Seems that way. Anyway, Rias and I hang out at the clubhouse afterschool every day, did you want to come along?" Akeno asked, gesturing to Rias. The redhead winked at Heathcliff again and he felt like shuddering.
Something about her is making my sixth sense go insane… Akeno is the same way, I just think it's cause I like her. But with the way Rias keeps eyeing me, something is off. Heathcliff thought as he rested his vision on Akeno's eyes. She continued to smile at him.
[Tell me about it, I have the same feeling.] Kiva said and Heathcliff sighed a bit.
Well, I ought to go home if I don't have anything to do. Mum got a bit stricter after Pop kicked the bucket… Heathcliff thought as he stared into Akeno's eyes. Her beautiful, dark violet eyes.
"Eh… sorry. Mum probably wants me home before late. She's a bit stricter nowadays. Sorry." Heathcliff said with a frown. Akeno shrugged.
"That's alright. I understand. She must like to protect her cute little boy, huh?" Akeno asked teasingly. Heathcliff blushed a bit and rubbed his neck.
"Yah… well, Pop's not around so… she's been strict, for good reason." Heathcliff mumbled. Akeno perked up a bit and rose a curious eyebrow.
"Pop? You mean your father?" Akeno asked curiously. Heathcliff blinked and shook his head.
Nah… I don't think I ought to be bawling my eyes out before the first date. I also barely know her… she is nice, though. Heathcliff thought as the bell rang, dismissing the school.
"Story for another time, see you tomorrow, Akeno." Heathcliff said, standing abruptly and heading for the door. Akeno seemed to choke on a word but let him leave.
[That was kind of rude, don't you think? I mean, justified, but…] Kiva trailed off. Heathcliff sighed as he ducked under the doorway and headed for the staircase. Mostly everyone gave him a good berth.
I'm not real comfortable talking about Pop. Especially to girls. Anyone, really. Except you, of course. You were there. He was kind of our dad, in a sense. Heathcliff responded. He heard a hum from Kiva.
[Yeah, I suppose. I respected the man, even though I'm an alien life form who knew nothing about humans. He seemed so wise and foresighted.] Kiva said with a melancholy tone. Heathcliff grinned sadly as he reminisced.
Yep. Good old James "The Professor" King. A legend in the law field of Australia. Won just about every case on his plate. I was never really good at law, lucky that Pop didn't make me pursue it. Heathcliff thought with a grin. He ducked under the entrance door to the school and strode across the courtyard.
[The Professor… is that because he spent a lot of time explaining the ins and outs of the law during court sessions? He just kept educating people…] Kiva trailed off thoughtfully. Heathcliff ignored Kiva as he exited the school grounds. Something was amiss, someone was watching him. Eyeing him. He felt them move and approach.
Whoa… Heathcliff thought a he glanced to his left and noticed a short, young girl approach him. She wore some outfit from another school altogether, setting her apart from the crowd of Kuoh kids.
[Damn… she's pretty good looking. Big boobs, too. Not as big as Akeno, though.] Kiva commented. Heathcliff nodded as the girl shyly approached him.
This isn't right at all. She feels off, like Rias does but… different. And the way she's approaching me seems… practiced? Is that the right word? Heathcliff thought as he curiously stared down at the girl.
"Uh, can I help you?" Heathcliff asked as the students around him noticed the slight scene unfold. Heathcliff groaned silently.
Fuck, leave me alone, you cunts… Heathcliff thought with a light growl. The girl in front of him looked up at him with a blush. She had big, dark eyes.
"Um… you're Heathcliff King… right?" the girl asked sheepishly. Heathcliff narrowed his eyes slightly.
Where the fuck did she learn my name? Heathcliff wondered angrily. The girl smiled slightly.
"Oh good… my name's Yumma. I wanted to ask you something." Yumma said, smiling cutely at Heathcliff. He was still wary since his six sense kept going haywire with this girl.
"Alright." Heathcliff said with a wary air about him. Yumma moved some of her hair with her hand and gulped.
"Well… once I heard of you I just had to rush over here and ask you… Would you, um… go out with me?" Yumma asked nervously with an unusual bow. Heathcliff rose a brow.
Huh. That's a first. Usually it's the guy chasing the girls, not the other way around. But this seems way too… convenient? What do you think, Kiva? Heathcliff wondered as he stood awkwardly amongst a group of students who were now whispering things about him. He was too focused on Yumma to pay them any heed, though.
[I agree. This is extremely fishy. She doesn't feel right at all. It's almost too perfectly pulled off. Also, you already have a date, remember?] Kiva asked. Heathcliff made a hum of approval.
Right. "Uh, sorry, Yumma. You seem nice, but uh, I've already got a date. I'm sorry." Heathcliff responded. Yumma looked up at him, shocked.
Should she be shocked like that? That doesn't seem like an appropriate reaction to someone you just met and know absolutely nothing about. Heathcliff thought as he gave her a sheepish grin. She didn't say anything but frowned and started walking away. Immediately after Heathcliff started away, many boys from Kuoh chased after the girl.
[No. Something's up. Be on guard, Heath. This is a mysterious land, anything can happen.] Kiva warned. Heathcliff nodded to himself and got very serious.
Yeah… I will.
Heathcliff collapsed on his bed at home, finding extreme comfort in the dark sheets. His mother wasn't home at all, so he was alone.
She must be working late. Being new at a job here must suck. Heathcliff thought as he relaxed. He nearly let the sandman take him when his phone rang in his pocket. He pulled the touchscreen device out and answered the call, it was his mother.
"Hi honey! How was school!?" Heathcliff's mother nearly yelled over the phone. Heathcliff had to hold the device away from his head for a moment before bringing it back.
"Good. You were right, again." Heathcliff responded with a grin.
"Oh? I can almost feel your shit-eating grin over the phone, what happened!?" His mother asked excitedly. Heathcliff grinned a bit wider.
"I… uh, I got a date on Saturday."
Silence.
"Mum?"
"OH MY GOD! YES! Congratulations sweetheart! Mommy's proud of you! I just knew the girls would be all over you once you walked in there!" Heathcliff's mother yelled. Heathcliff held the phone away for a moment, again.
"Well… I asked her out, but she did initiate the conversation." Heathcliff said, scratching his cheek. He heard his mother giggle over the phone.
"Oh please tell me she's hot." His mother said with a laugh.
"Hell yeah, she's hot." Heathcliff answered. His mother laughed.
"Perfect! I'm so proud of you, ya twit! Tell me all about her when I get home, alright!?" His mother asked excitedly.
"Of course. I'll have a whole five page report ready." Heathcliff responded, his mother laughed again.
"I know you can do it, too! Alright, I'll see you soon. Or maybe in the morning if you fall asleep. By, sweetie!" She hung up quickly after her response. Heathcliff grinned and stuck his phone on the cabinet behind him.
[She was quite… enthusiastic. I forgot your mother was super over-the-top.] Kiva said suddenly. Heathcliff sighed and relaxed on his bed.
Yeah, she's always been extremely obsessive and intense. But that's Mum for ya. Heathcliff responded. He heard Kiva laugh before the Synergetic's voice faded. Heathcliff slowly started to fall asleep. He had taken his time getting home and arrived as the sun fell below the horizon, so dusk was already upon him. This employed a perfect time to nap.
Movement.
Heathcliff jumped out of his bed and hit the ceiling of his room. He stuck to it with one hand on the ceiling and his boots slightly connected in a sort-of upside down crouch. He looked around his room and reached down, hitting the light switch to turn the lights off. His room became dark, excepting the moonlight that rose outside.
There. Heathcliff thought as he spotted something moving through the curtains of his window. He had a view of the backyard from his balcony and could see the shadows moving outside. It was not a tree, trees and plants had a muted presence. This presence was not muted, it was explosive.
Human.
Heathcliff reached out inside of himself and pulled on his connection to Kiva to alert the Synergetic.
[Movement? It's a human alright.] Kiva said, alerted to the situation. Heathcliff nodded as he watched the shadows. They moved again and Heathcliff readied himself for anything.
Doesn't it feel… off to you? Like Rias and that girl from earlier? Heathcliff wondered as he crawled closer to the windows. He kept to the shadows to remain hidden.
[Yes. Check how the presence feels. See if it's male or female.] Kiva advised. Heathcliff nodded as he hid near the corner of his room and stuck to the walls, upright by putting his boots on the walls.
I remember, check to see if it's violent or calm. Violent presences are male, calm are female. Works for anything that isn't a plant, since plants are muted and don't move very much. Heathcliff thought as he felt the presence with his sixth sense. It was female.
A woman? It's not my mother. I know that. I can sense their ill intent. It's just there. Heathcliff thought as he watched the shadows. He saw the shadows move quickly and vanish as headlights came into view by the gates.
Mum! Heathcliff thought as he slid the window door open and flipped out onto the balcony.
[Combat Morph?] Kiva asked.
No, not until the presence comes back. Heathcliff responded as he leaped from the balcony and landed on the gate to his yard. His mother was exiting her car and yelped when he appeared without a sound.
"Mum, get inside. Someone's been snooping around by the backyard. I'll leave Kiva on the lookout tonight." Heathcliff said to his mother as he crouched on the gate. His mother nodded and hurried inside, locking her car. Heathcliff watched the shadows, trying to find the presence. Once his mother was inside, he jumped onto the side of the house and crawled on his hands and feet across the wall and onto his balcony.
Heathcliff sighed angrily as he closed and locked his balcony doors. He leaped downstairs and caught the bottom of the staircase ceiling, flipping him onto the ceiling of the entrance area. His mother was just unloading her bag and some groceries when he appeared on the ceiling, standing upside down.
"Heath, are you really so concerned? I thought this was a good neighborhood?" his mother wondered as she walked over to him. She was about eyelevel with him now as he hung from the ceiling.
"It is. But that doesn't explain the ill intent of that woman out there. Whoever she was, she was watching and appeared just after we ended our call." Heathcliff explained as he walked across the ceiling and flipped onto the wall, checking the windows and locking them. His mother locked the door and followed him.
"A woman? That's odd. Do you think…?" Heathcliff's mother trailed off. He glanced back at her and saw her downcast, staring at the floor.
"No. I don't. At least, I doubt that very much. I'm just being paranoid. It could've been anything about anyone. They vanished when you pulled in, though. Way too quickly, too. It was odd." Heathcliff explained as he climbed around the house. He dropped to the floor once he was done and walked over to his mother.
[I've got no problem keeping alert all night. You guys relax.] Kiva said. Heathcliff sighed tiredly.
"Anyway, like I said, Kiva will be alert all night. Don't worry about it. If they come back, he'll alert me. Okay?" Heathcliff said, putting an arm around his mother who was growing concerned.
"I've still never met Kiva. It'd be nice to see who my son's best friend is." His mother said with a small smile. Heathcliff chuckled.
[That'd be cool!]
"Well, the only way for him to communicate is to send thought patterns through my head. He says he would like to do that as well." Heathcliff said with a smile. His mother giggled and started to relax.
"Well, I'm tired. I think we ought to go to bed." Heathcliff's mother suggested. Heathcliff nodded and yawned.
"Yah, good night mum…" Heathcliff muttered as he headed upstairs.
"Goodnight, hon. Keep an eye out, Kiva!" His mother called.
"He says he will!" Heathcliff called as he headed back into his room, closing the door with a soft bang. He collapsed on his bed and relaxed.
Son of a bitch… I'd hate to have to use my Combat Morph so soon. I only just started school. Heathcliff thought. He sat up and started taking his boots off.
[Yeah, but like I said, anything can happen here Heath. We've got to be on the lookout.] Kiva stated. Heathcliff sighed as he kicked his boots off and started removing his uniform.
I'll remember to watch the shadows. Heathcliff responded. He took his uniform off and got ready for bed.
Watch the shadows… He slowly fell asleep, letting himself drift into dreamland.
One day was a long time, though Heathcliff already found himself at the end of his second day at Kuoh. He sat through his classes, struggled with math, won the games in gym, and nearly took a nap at the very end. Now he awaited the final bell.
Rias has been keeping Akeno away from me this whole day. I almost didn't get to talk to her at all, and I can't find her during lunch. Heathcliff thought as he glanced at the two girls talking. Rias winked at him, again.
[Dude, I think Rias is into you. Also, I think you might be overreacting.] Kiva said. Heathcliff sighed and leaned back in his seat.
Probably… I'm agreeing with the overreacting part, not the part where you think Rias is into me. That's just absurd. Heathcliff responded as he twirled a pencil in his hand.
[It might be. But what if it isn't?] Kiva asked. Heathcliff gripped the pencil.
Then I don't know what the fuck I'm going to do.
The bell rang. Heathcliff quickly got up and started to leave. He had just ducked under the doorway when he heard a beep over the PA system.
"Heathcliff King, please report to the infirmary to see the nurse."
Heathcliff stopped dead in the middle of the hallway, his heart skipping a beat.
Fuck… I hate getting called places. They always make it seem like I did something wrong. Heathcliff thought as he calmed down and started navigating the halls. He descended the stairs and found himself… lost.
"Shit… which way was it again? I swore I walked past it the one time…" Heathcliff muttered as he wandered around. He adjusted his bag and scratched his head as he searched.
After about two minutes of wandering around, Heathcliff saw a sign with "Infirmary" and a red cross on it. He sighed in relief and entered the room, ducking as he walked in.
"Hello? You sent for the King, here I am." Heathcliff called as he entered the infirmary. He heard a slight bang from where he could feel a presence and saw a shadow move beyond a curtain.
"Just a moment, Mister King!" a woman's voice called. Heathcliff shrugged and leaned on the wall by the door. After said moment, a beautiful, buxom woman appeared. She had long, black hair down to her waist and shimmering brown eyes behind a pair of glasses. She fumbled with her lab coat and skirt for a moment. Heathcliff blinked in slight astonishment.
What the fuck? Is there some hot gene here that's just fucking everywhere? I mean really, hot school nurses aren't a thing. Not even in America, according to Zeb. Do TV tropes just exist here? Is that a thing? Heathcliff wondered in thought. He stood up and waited as the woman righted herself.
"Okay… Hi, I'm Miss Hana Kinaki, you can call me Hana. You must be Heathcliff King. Wow, I didn't think these records were right when they said you were so tall, but just look at you!" Hana exclaimed, adjusting her glasses as she looked at Heathcliff.
"Yeah. Getting through doorways around here is damn near impossible." Heathcliff said with an annoyed sigh. Hana giggled and headed for her desk.
"Come, sit down. I won't keep you too long… maybe." Hana said with a smile as she sat down. She crossed her long, plump legs and exposed more of her pantyhose that were barely covered by the small, black skirt she wore. Heathcliff could feel his cheeks flush as he sat down in the small chair provided for him.
"Aw, you don't fit on the chair…" Hana said with a suppressed giggle. Heathcliff sighed at her.
"I know… it's annoying." Heathcliff sighed as he tried to adjust himself on the seat correctly and set his bag down. Hana giggled again.
"Would it be nicer if we sat on one of the beds? No one's here right now, so don't worry." Hana said, standing up again. Heathcliff nodded and stood up.
"Yes, that would be awesome." Heathcliff said, following Hana over to a bed. He sat down and relaxed a little.
"Better?" Hana asked with a slight giggle. Heathcliff nodded as she retrieved her chair and sat down in front of him.
"Alright, Heathcliff, I just need you to look over this information that the school was provided. I like to confirm this stuff with the students so that nothing goes awry." Hana explained, handing Heathcliff a clipboard. He accepted it and flipped it around to read the paperwork.
"Aw, how did you get such a nasty scar?" Hana asked, interrupting Heathcliff's reading. He glanced down at his arm and shrugged, turning back to the paper.
"Machete fight. No one really has guns back in Australia so people have knives and things. Made a guy real mad the one night and he decided to cut me." Heathcliff explained as he read over the papers.
Everything seems right. Mum's been pretty good with health and stuff over the years, plus there's you, Kiva. Our bonding made me immune to sickness and health complications. Heathcliff thought as he flipped through the papers.
"Oh, that must've hurt terribly!" Hana commented, leaning in closely and examining Heathcliff's scar.
"Nah, I was really hammered and barely registered what had happened when he did that. My friend on the other hand… he saw that and decked the fellow." Heathcliff explained as he finished reading the few papers. Hana looked up at him curiously.
"Australia's drinking age is eighteen." Heathcliff said. Hana nodded, her curiosity satisfied. She continued to examine his scar, though.
[Huh, I wonder why I haven't fixed that scar on your arm.] Kiva said suddenly. Heathcliff rose an eyebrow.
Don't you remember? Pop wanted me to keep it. A reminder to watch myself and watch my mouth. Heathcliff responded to the Synergetic.
[Oh yeah. This super-hot nurse seems really into it, though.] Kiva said with a chuckle. Heathcliff looked down at Hana.
Huh, I wonder why. Heathcliff thought as Hana ran a finger across his scar. He shivered slightly at her cool touch.
At that very moment, Heathcliff's sixth sense went off like a bomb. He jerked his arm away from Hana, out of her reach, and blinked in shock at her.
Holy shit… she feels so… off. So off. She didn't seem hostile… but it feels like I'm going to lose something. Like she steals something. Also, do I have a half-chub? Heathcliff thought as Hana looked up at him with concern.
"Are you alright, Heathcliff? Did I hit a nerve?" Hana asked, leaning in close to Heathcliff. He shook his head and thought up a quick lie.
"I'm okay. You hand was just a little cold and I was just a little shocked. I wasn't expecting you to touch it." Heathcliff said, some truth hidden in his words. Hana nodded slowly and leaned back in her chair.
"Okay, I'm sorry. I probably should've asked but, the shape and depth of the scar is so intriguing. I'm just obsessed with anything to do with the human body." Hana explained, bowing her head slightly. Heathcliff recovered from his sensory overload and handed the clipboard back to her with a grin.
"It's alright, Miss Hana. I read over the info on here. You can also keep looking at my scar if you like." Heathcliff offered. Hana looked up at him with an excited smile.
"Really!? Oh, you're such a sweetheart! Thank you, Heathcliff." Hana said gratefully. She set the clipboard to the side and reached for Heathcliff's arm. He hesitantly let her grip his wrist and put her hand on his scar. Her touch was still cool, but seemed inviting.
[Doesn't she seem literally attractive? Like you're being magnetized to her?] Kiva asked curiously. Heathcliff hummed internally for a moment.
Yeah. I think that's what set my sense off. She's certainly there and pulling me in somehow. She feels human, but something is still wrong. Just like Rias and that Yumma girl. Heathcliff responded as he watched Hana inspect his scar. She seemed so intrigued.
[Didn't you mention that Akeno felt the same way?] Kiva asked. Heathcliff blinked.
Yeah. Akeno does feel off. I thought it had something to do with the fact that I like her so much. But if you factor my feelings out, she still felt off when I really noticed her. I have to pay more attention to this sense. Heathcliff thought as Hana poked his arm. He flexed momentarily when her cold finger jabbed his arm.
"Oops, sorry." Hana mumbled, not even bothering to look away from his arm. Heathcliff chuckled silently.
Well, she doesn't feel hostile. I doubt she's actually dangerous. I mean, look at her! She's practically a child playing with my arm like that! Wait a minute… Heathcliff trailed off in thought as Hana slowly stuck her tongue out and licked his scar. He felt the wet appendage roll across his skin and send shivers down his spine.
[Uh…]
"Um…"
Hana quickly turned to look at the extremely confused and embarrassed Heathcliff. Her eyes widened as she slowly seemed to realize what she just did.
"You… uh… lick students… often?" Heathcliff asked with a nervous and uncomfortable laugh. Hana slowly released his arm and sat with her head down. She was blushing furiously.
"I'm so sorry Heathcliff. I-I-I don't know why… I… I didn't mean to… um…" Hana stuttered, gripping the hem of her skirt tightly. Heathcliff stared at her, unable to respond.
What the fuck was that about!? WHY DID SHE LICK ME!? What in God's fucking flying castle was that about!? WHAT THE FUCK!? Heathcliff screamed internally. All he heard from Kiva was a long, drone of confused noises.
"Um, there's no real excuse for something so inappropriate. I hope you can forgive me… and I would expect you to report such an incident." Hana mumbled. Heathcliff blinked as he slowly stopped reeling from the small event.
Does she have an excuse? What was she thinking that made her lick me? AND ME! Of all people! What the fuck!? WHAT THE FUCK!? Okay, okay. Let's calm down… Heathcliff thought as he took a deep breath. He inhaled and exhaled deeply for a few moments before tapping Hana on the shoulder with his non-licked arm. She looked up at him with regret filled eyes.
"Do uh… is there any reason at all that you can give me for doing that? I'm honestly just confused. I just want to know if maybe there's some reason I can grasp…" Heathcliff trailed off, unsure of his next words.
"Do you mind listening to a desperate woman's pleas?" Hana asked, a hopeful glint in her eyes. Heathcliff shrugged.
"Just… tell me something." Heathcliff said, rubbing his neck awkwardly. Hana nodded and reached out to hold Heathcliff's hand. Despite what she just did, Heathcliff allowed her to hold his hand.
"I'm terrible with men. Horrible. I haven't had a date since I botched the last one with something similarly awkward and inappropriate like I just did to you. I just can't hold myself back I'm so desperate. I'm so pent up… so lustful… I just… lost my control, understand? I'm sorry Heathcliff!" Hana exclaimed and started to sniffle a bit. She buried her face behind his hand and he felt a tear on it.
[She's… she's… deprived? She's desperate to the point of licking a student at the Academy she works at? What the fuck? Is that a thing?] Kiva wondered, seemingly back from the brink. Heathcliff sighed.
Unfortunately, there are people on both sides of sex that can't seem to hold a relationship and become desperate. I'm desperate, I know that… but I don't think I was ever this desperate! I guess I get where she's coming from… Heathcliff thought in response. He gripped Hana's hand and tried to grin, slightly.
"Um… I guess I understand… and, uh, I forgive you." Heathcliff said with an awkward, sympathetic smile. Hana looked up at him, astonished and started to whimper.
"R-Really?" She asked quietly. Heathcliff nodded limply.
"T-Thank you so much, Heathcliff… You have no idea how much that means to me." Hana said with a sniffle, placing her forehead on his hand. Heathcliff sighed lightly and chuckled oddly.
"Well, I at least understand why… But, uh, I could… come around every so often. If you need someone to talk to, or just hang out with. Just don't lick me again without asking me first." Heathcliff said with a grin. Hana was shocked, she stared at him with wide eyes. Heathcliff chuckled awkwardly as she started to smile.
"Thank you, Heathcliff. I would enjoy that… The talking and hanging part, not… Well…" Hana trailed off with a light blush. Heathcliff squeaked as he felt his face flush.
Okay… I guess I taste good or some shit! Heathcliff thought as he glanced off to the side.
"Uh… okay. Sure. Sounds wonderful. I, uh, ought to be going now." Heathcliff said as he pulled his hand away and stood up. Hana regained her senses and stood up as well, clearing her throat and wiping her eyes.
"Of course. I'll see you around, Heathcliff. Bye for now." Hana said stiffly. She seemed to be containing herself.
I bet she wants to hug me or something.
"Did you want a hug- OOF!" Heathcliff nearly had the wind knocked out of him when Hana slammed into him. She hugged him tightly and rested her head on his chest. Heathcliff chuckled as he gently hugged her back.
"Thank you, Heathcliff." Hana whispered as she pressed into him. Heathcliff tried to ignore her large breasts as they pressed against him. He also had to ignore how Hana's leg was rubbing between his as she hugged him.
"Not a problem… I'm pretty huggable." Heathcliff chuckled. He heard Kiva make a mocking sound and growled internally at the Synergetic. Hana giggled as she buried herself in his chest.
"I know. You're so warm… and soft, and muscular. I'd like to be like this all day… but I've already tortured you enough, poor thing." Hana said as she let Heathcliff go. He internally sighed in relief as it was getting hard to ignore her body against his, as nice as it was.
"Yeah. I'll see you later, Miss Hana. G'day." Heathcliff said as he gathered his bag and headed for the door. Hana waved to him as he left.
Once Heathcliff had closed the door and started down the empty hall, he sighed deeply.
Fuck… that was insane… And, of course, in my stupidity, I offered to visit her… Heathcliff thought as he left the building. The sun was nearing the horizon when he looked across the sky.
How long was I in there? Fuck it… I just want to go home. Heathcliff thought, heading out and leaving the school grounds.
Heathcliff found himself at the edge of dusk as he walked home. He lived pretty close to the school, but in thinking about his recent incident and how he was to deal with that nurse, he got slightly lost.
Well, I'm not too far off. The road I live on is over there. Heathcliff thought as he walked through a park. He suddenly stopped as something set his sense off. Someone.
It was the presence from last night.
Heathcliff kept walking, though, acting normally. He sensed them, he knew where they were. He could feel their hostile presence and watched it warily. It followed him.
Be ready to use Combat Morph. Heathcliff called to Kiva. He heard a hum in response and felt the creature move ever so slightly on his back.
Heathcliff kept walking. He stopped by the fountain and looked up. Something was very wrong. His sense hit a barrier, a barrier that he couldn't sense through. He could see it. It was a colorful barrier that shattered the sky. A red hue fell across the park as Heathcliff heard something flap behind him.
Incoming! Heathcliff thought as he rolled to the side. A glowing object flew past him as he dodged and speared into the ground where he was standing. Heathcliff jumped up against a tree and spotted his enemy, floating in the sky.
There was no time to question it.
"Combat Morph!"
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How's that for another chapter? Little longer than the last one. I spent a several hours over the course of three days to do this. I hope the effort is worth it.
Anyway, thanks guys.
See you next time with the King of Symbiosis!