ABSENTMINDED AUTHOR NOTES:
Okay! Finally got the last part worked out! Boy, the finale took a ridiculous amount of time to write out, considering that the Epilogue: Finale is only about two pages long...

Love them. Come on, you know you want to.

Assuming anybody's reading this. ^^

WARNINGS:
Shounen ai hinting. Most likely, an alternate universe with normal-universe timeline. Lots of improvisation to make up for what I don't know. Possibly somewhat OOC. ^_^ But in a GOOD way.


SEDIMENTARY PERCUSSION
EPILOGUE: Point
by Kay Willow

Zero Enna stared at the ceiling and thought about all the things he'd done that day and wished he'd done and wanted to do tomorrow. He thought about his past and his future, and he thought about his friends and his rivals, but most of all he thought about the friend and the rival in the beds to his right, and how nice it would be to take a pillow and put it over Clay's face and just PRESS until he stopped snoring.

He wasn't too bad about it when compared to OTHERS, and Zero was willing to admit that -- after all, on the shuttle to GOA they'd slept in the same chamber with Instructor Azuma, who snored like a rabid animal with a chainsaw. And Zero wasn't the embodiment of peaceful rest himself; he had a tendency to snore when he spread out, and he knew that, and he wasn't trying to be a hypocrite and say that he was the only one who was allowed to snore.

But tonight it was getting on his nerves.

Zero was making a deliberate effort to be considerate, because Clay had not fared well during Pro-Ing practice that day. So he tried to lay still and go to sleep -- Clay was a light sleeper to boot, and even the slightest movement could wake him -- but it wasn't long before his energetic soul protested THAT. He wanted to fidget! Do sit-ups! Pace or jog track or SOMETHING!

Pro-Ing practice had been dreadfully boring, at least as far as Zero was concerned. In their match-up with the Top Candidates, Roose and Clay had lost so badly that they'd all but had no effect whatsoever on their respective matches, and Hiead had gone berserk and put Yamagi -- poor sap -- in traction. Zero was the only one who'd done even remotely well, and considering the damage to his Pro-Ing (TOTALLY not his fault) that was saying something.

But as a result, this time around they'd been paired with a much lower-ranking group. Not that it matters, it's not like Erts is there anymore anyway...> Zero couldn't remember the name of the Candidate he'd been paired with, although he thought that the boy's number might've been #81. Whoever he was, he had been so snivelingly obnoxious about his two months seniority in GOA that Zero had eventually left off Roose and his partner to turn on his own so-called "partner" instead. He'd gotten in a good deal of trouble, of course, but he didn't regret it for a moment.

With any luck, #81 would register a complaint, and he'd get a new pair!

One who isn't all superior about how much longer he's been here,> Zero thought viciously. Somebody who isn't going to order me around like he thinks he's an Instructor, who'll know when to give advice -- ADVICE and not ORDERS -- and know when to just HELP, and who'll realize that I need to ACT sometimes and be SUPPORTIVE of that instead of critical...>

Zero flipped over onto his stomach before even realizing what he was doing, then paused to see if he'd woken Clay. The other boy muttered something to himself, made a vague motion as if to push up a pair of glasses that weren't there, and drifted right back to sleep.

Zero continued to watch him, train of thought shifting slightly. Clay would definitely suck as a pair. I feel sorry for whoever has to team up with him. Little coward would be long gone by the time you could bring up the request to engage the enemy.> He buried his grin in his pillow. An ally? Yes. Guarding my back in battle? No way. He'd hide somewhere and narrate while I got torn to pieces.>

Roose could only barely fire his beam rifle; he wouldn't make much of a pair either. Yamagi would be great, except for the fact that they were too much alike -- and then who would keep them from acting stupid?

And I'd sooner quit GOA before trusting HIEAD to look after me in battle. I wouldn't survive past the first time I turned away from him.>

Then there was no one left. Although he'd met and befriended a few other Candidates, training and tests took up too much of his time to have gotten to know them as well as he knew his own group. Considering one of them as his pair would be nearly as absurd as choosing a totally random person he picked out of the cafeteria one day.

Of course, pairs WERE randomly chosen by the admin. But a boy could always dream about finding his perfect pair, right...?

Erts.

Well, of course,> Zero reasoned with himself, running a hand though his hair. Erts is THE perfect pair. He's smart and capable and calm -- a little too calm, sometimes; can't be healthy -- and because he's a telepathist he understands what his pair needs.>

Though that wasn't to say that Erts would be perfect with just anyone. If Roose were to be paired with him, for example, their mild and passive personalities would make the combination unremarkable, if functional. Put Erts with CLAY and he'd probably be dead in a week; Erts might be afraid of battle, but he wouldn't run either, and he'd feel responsible for covering Clay's back when he ran to save his own skin.

But Zero was momentarily stumped on Yamagi. They might be a good pair... Erts as Yamagi's support, tempering his recklessness and crying him off when there was too much at stake... Yamagi wouldn't be afraid of Erts any more than Zero himself was, and he'd know enough to LISTEN when he talked...

They'd make an okay pair on the battlefield,> he admitted reluctantly. But they wouldn't work under normal settings! Yamagi... that kid's too gullible, he'd believe Erts when he said that he's fine or that he's happy or that he doesn't want people to touch him. And then Erts will NEVER be normal. So, that wouldn't work either.>

And just THINKING about Erts getting paired with Hiead was horrific enough to push him past mere outrage and all the way into the realm of the physically ill.

Okay. So Erts would work best with me. Good.>

Zero absently massaged his right hand. Sometimes he still thought he could feel the strange warmth of the younger boy's life, a complex and beautiful thing that reassured him that, wherever he was in the wide galaxy, he was safe.

But in those moments... it was almost as if he could just reach out and touch...

~Zero?~>

He jerked his hand back from where he'd wistfully stretched it out, and then blinked. Erts?>

The words came into his mind as though they were his own thoughts, but they were "flavored" differently; lighter and heavier at the same time, with an almost earthy feel to them that was comforting, reminiscent of a homeworld Zero had never known but had experienced in the simulated environment of the relaxation room. It was, without a doubt, Erts.

Strangely, the boy answered, ~Yes. Most of the time.~> Zero could almost see him smiling that small, sad smile of his. ~Why aren't you asleep, Zero? It's late.~>

He shrugged, momentarily forgetting that Erts wasn't there and couldn't see the gesture. I'm not tired, I didn't do enough today. And our new matches for Pro-Ing practice are nothing less than terrible.> After a moment's consideration, he deliberately recalled the memory, playing through the event in his mind so Erts could see what he meant.

The other boy said nothing, watching the parade of images with a solemnity they didn't really merit, but by the time Yamagi needed to restrain him from assaulting #81, Zero could sense his demeanor gradually loosening. When he reached the point where Zero finally lost his patience entirely and attacked the annoying twit, Erts actually laughed.

It was a free, healthy sound. Zero had never heard him laugh like that before.

Then again, he'd only heard Erts laugh once before.

~I won't tell you he didn't deserve it,~> the younger boy told him when he'd calmed down. ~But Zero, you really ought to...~> Then he trailed off in surprise.

Zero smirked to himself. You noticed, huh?>

~I didn't know you knew about the Pro-Ing's energy packs.~>

Zero was rather proud of himself for that one. Actually switching sides and attacking his practice pair would cost him his rank, and he'd worked too hard and gotten too far to let a little agitation ruin his chances of becoming a Pilot. So he'd decided on the humiliation tactic instead; first faking right, then darting to the left, getting behind the other Pro-Ing before its startled controller could fully grasp the situation, and yanked out its energy pack, effectively rendering the mechanical weapon into a useless slab of metal, totally unresponsive to the boy trapped inside it.

Of course, the power packs weren't common knowledge. It was something he'd picked up from Erts himself.

Zero grinned as he answered, I had to do something to deflate the little jackass, and if I went and beat the crap out of my own pair's Pro-Ing, Azuma would freeze my rank for the next three years.>

A brief vibration stimulated his entire brain all at once; he had the sudden amused mental image of Erts humming telepathically. ~And then what happened?~>

I was out for the rest of the day, of course, although I was lucky 'cuz I didn't get any other penalties.> Zero pushed himself onto his side and leaned on one elbow, this time ignoring Clay when he tossed restlessly. But my day was boring. It's nothing new to either of us. How was YOUR day?>

~Mine...?~>

Yes, yours.> Zero focused pointedly on his memories of Erts' moving-up ceremony and felt the younger boy's startled discomfort. This connection was so simple to understand, and it worked both ways; how could anyone be afraid of this, think that a telepathist could use it to hurt others? It'd be easier for the other person to turn the contact back and hurt the telepathist than vice versa. You're a Pilot now, remember? What's a Pilot's day like?>

Erts gave him a brief impression of weariness. ~Busy. Not much different from a Candidate's, except for the Victim attacks. We spent most of today doing group exercises and rhythm practice. I think they're still getting used to me being here instead of Aniki.~>

There was something more behind those words, but Zero could tell that it wasn't something Erts wanted to discuss. For all that Erts came off as a very passive and compliant person, he had a will of steel. Few people could force him to do something he had decided not to do. Zero didn't want to be one of those people. It was a horrible power to have over somebody so gentle, and it was a far worse thing to actually use it.

So he tactfully change the subject. How about your new Repairer? What's she like?>

~I'm honestly not sure.~> A thin thread of amusement leaked through his mental voice. ~Tune-san is more shy than anyone I've ever known; she's very hesitant to speak to me. As a matter of fact, I rarely see her speak to anyone besides the other Repairers outside an emergency situation.~>

Again, he was leaving out something important that needed to be said, and for just a moment Zero began to reconsider not delving deeper -- what if he was repressing something, trying to be stronger than he really was instead of asking his friend for help and possibly being a burden? But before he could think about it, Erts inquired in a rush, ~If you don't mind my asking-- If it isn't too personal...~>

Hey, Senpai, didn't I already tell you I've got nothing to hide from you?> Zero demanded instantly. Really, what part of the word "friend" was Erts misunderstanding? Maybe "friend" entailed something different in their respective native languages. You can ask me whatever you like. I might not ANSWER, but I probably will, and I promise not to hate you no matter WHAT you ask.>

He was rewarded with the fleeting impression of one of Erts' rare genuine smiles, but it only lasted a moment. ~Then... who is Rei?~>

That had been probably the last thing Zero had expected. He stiffened unconsciously and found himself wondering how Erts had picked up the name.

~It's something that drifts under the surface of your thoughts every now and then,~> Erts commented, sounding regretful already. ~A half-formed connection, something like, "Rei would've thought" or "Rei would've done"... I'm sorry. It's none of my business.~>

You stop that right now,> Zero told him, scrambling to recover from his surprise. Friends are allowed to ask personal questions. Besides, it's nothing embarrassing; I just didn't think you'd know about that. See, I'M Rei.>

Silence, and then, ~You...?~>

It's the name my father gave me; I don't remember him, but that's what Kaasan always told me.> Zero finally rested fully back against the mattress and stared at the ceiling. But, see, our colony was trying to switch us from a variant on old Japanese to Interplanetary Standard... So since "Rei" in old Japanese means "Zero" in Interplanetary Standard...>

~I know that, actually,~> Erts responded slowly. ~I know pieces of old Japanese... We still use the family names, and all the suffixes...~> He grounded himself after a moment, and continued, ~I never made the connection. How strange. So they started calling you Zero instead of Rei...~>

I guess I consider Rei to be a different person,> Zero mused, closing his eyes and thinking back to that time. He was kind of whiny, and he thought about things a lot more... He was really codependent on things, and I don't think I'm like that at all. I complain but I don't whine; I think about things but usually do things as they come to me; and I don't think I lean on anybody like that anymore.>

~But... the name still means a lot to you, doesn't it...?~>

Zero smiled crookedly. It's something that's mine. I don't have a lot of things that belong to me these days; most of my stuff is GOA standard-issue. So the name is important.>

~I think... I think I understand.~>

Erts' presence was a fragile and delicate thing, a firefly dancing against the blackness of the night sky, but it was supportive and sympathetic and somehow comforting to Zero's restless mind. No one had ever grounded his whimsical nature so effectively before, or made him feel so appreciated; it was something that they alone shared.

Zero smiled as he thought back, I think you do, too.>

Then there was a comfortable silence, and Zero gradually recognized Hiead's quiet breathing and Clay's not-so-quiet snoring all over again. He was dimly aware that his performance tomorrow would suck unless he got some sleep, but it didn't seem very important while Erts was there...

~I'm rather tired, too, while you're on the topic,~> Erts told him, again with that smiling sensation in the contact.

Well, don't let me keep you up, Pilot-san!> Zero thought brightly. You need your rest to save all the rest of us from Victim!>

~I'm not going to abandon you to a sleepless night, either,~> was his response, colored with gentle amusement. ~I can help you sleep, if you'll let me. It's a trick I learned from my brother, a telepathy thing...~>

I thought telepathists weren't ALLOWED...>

~So you read the Student Handbook after all,~> Erts observed teasingly.

Sure, once I learned HOW to read in Standard,> Zero griped. It's really inconsiderate not to make it multilingual, you know, and reading Standard is so HARD. Each combination stands for something totally different! Kanji make things much simpler.>

Erts allowed another smile to slip past his guard. ~Well. A different set of rules apply to the Pilots. As long as I'm acting in the best interests of GOA, I'm given complete discretion.~>

Zero shook his head, taking a moment to marvel at the freedom the Pilots possessed. Okay then. Go right ahead. I think it's in GOA's best interests to have all their Candidates well-rested and in top form, don't you?>

A tendril of thought brushed against a sensitive area of his mind, almost like a caress, and Zero shivered as it whispered to him, ~Especially because it's you. Because you're going to be a Pilot someday soon... isn't that right...?~>

Definitely. I promised you.> As abruptly as that, he felt his consciousness simply melt away. Before it weakened him, he managed to send, Oyasumi nasai...>

Oyasumi nasai... Rei...>

He was already so far gone that he couldn't be sure if that soft addition was Erts, or a memory, or simply his own overactive imagination, but he thought fuzzily, I'll keep my promise... not gonna let you be alone... I'll protect you... Erts...>


Can you hear some of my bitterness about kanji leaking out in there? Yeah, I bet you can...

In spite of how much I despise kanji, I've finished translating Myth14 entirely, and I'm halfway through Myth15, and even Hiead thinks that there's something between Zero and Erts. >D Erin-neesama criticized me for searching out yaoi Moments because they were written into the very storyline, and I guess she was right.

By the way. Said storyline, as well as Zero and Erts and all my other beloved MK characters, belong to Bunny-sensei. And not me. *withering sigh*

--Kay, going to post the next part...
AIM: Savinsilk
Email: kay_willow@hotmail.com
Quote: Erin-neesama, in regard to why our resident telepathists react
so well to our resident troublemakers --

"It's a rare thing for a telepath to be in the company of
someone who genuinely expects them to be only themselves.
Almost everyone has certain expectations of everyone else,
certain things they assume and things they hope will be
true. Zero doesn't. Granted, this is because Zero never
stops spreading his own special brand of mayhem long enough
to think of any preconceived notions, but still..."