Notes: I'm not really sure what I'm doing with Erts & Kazuhi. I have no plans for a pairing, but I do want them to get along. As you may notice. I'd really, really appreciate comments on this chapter; I never know if I'm doing the promotion speech accurately enough (having done it only once before), as far as word choice goes.
Ikhny had not seen or heard from Hiead since he'd entered advanced training. Part of her was actually happy, but not because she was relatively safe from him now.
No, Ikhny was happy because Hiead was well on his way to becoming a Pilot. If anything would keep him from lashing out at others, surely achieving his dream would. One of his more frequent complaints was that people (mainly Ikhny, though she did her best not to) kept getting in his way. But as a Pilot, he would answer to no one but the Top. But then, Ikhny couldn't see Hiead as a Pilot without being the Top, in which case he'd answer to no one. Somehow, that frightened her more than what he might do if he didn't succeed.
She knew what others thought of Hiead, and she did not listen to their warnings. She would not request to be assigned to another Candidate, nor would she resign.
Ikhny had given up on many things in her life. Something, however, told her not to give up on Hiead, and she would not.
She believed that destiny had brought them together for a purpose, and that she should do her best to help Hiead succeed. Each time he pushed her away, she only became more determined to aid him. Besides, even if Ikhny did fail, she knew very well that Kizna would not. Though they were best friends, Kizna would not put Ikhny before her dream, and likewise, Ikhny could never ask her to. She understood that for some people, being a Pilot or Repairer was much more than a job or a duty: it was life, and all too often, death.
Yet, Ikhny feared being separated from Kizna more than any others. Even though their respective Candidates hated each other passionately and barely coexisted as it was, the girls were closer than sisters…at least, Ikhny thought so. There had been too many days when only a smile from Kizna could make being Hiead's Repairer seem worthwhile.
The moment Hiead had been promoted, Ikhny had dedicated herself to making sure his PRO-ING was in perfect working order. While she didn't expect any thanks, it would be one less thing he could be angry about.
But the first time Ikhny did hear news of Hiead, it quickly became clear that all her—no, their—hard work might be for nothing.
There would be no success, no fulfillment of Hiead's dream…if he had killed himself while reaching for it.
* * * * *
Dr. Rill Croford had a mystery on her hands. Well, technically, it was currently in her hands, in the form of a report. Amazingly, it was both fairly long and completely vague all at once.
Naturally, it involved one of the Candidates she liked to think of as her two favorite knuckleheads.
Zero Enna and Hiead Gnr apparently had absolutely no regard for their bodies…or, at least, each other's bodies.
But this time was different. Hiead's injuries could only be self-inflicted.
As he had yet to regain consciousness, and considering he had never been the talkative type, Rill kept herself busy at his bedside by thumbing through the report again.
In all, he'd broken at least two rules: unauthorized use of training facilities and tampering with/destruction of G.O.A. equipment. Currently, officials were still fighting over whether attempted suicide should be added to that list.
Hiead was notorious for "forgetting" that he was required to emerge from his gravity chamber at previously specified times. If he did not, he would be putting his body at even greater risk. At first, Azuma had been somewhat lenient. But lately, he'd had to drag Hiead from the chamber.
No one was willing to lose one of the few Zenoah they had left.
Hiead was clearly not of the same opinion.
During one of his breaks, he had returned to the chamber and tried to gain access early. After three failed attempts, he had broken the access pad and forced his way in. Once inside, he somehow managed to fuse the door shut.
Then, for some ungodly reason no one could figure out, he'd programmed the machine for 80G…and then, as if that had been a mistake, 100G.
Everyone was still shocked he hadn't been killed instantly.
When the rescue crew had finally torn the door off, several of them had been instantly traumatized at the sight that met their eyes. One man even had to be carried away, murmuring something about "so much blood" over and over again.
Rill had personally cleaned the blood on Hiead; she'd been unwilling to expose her assistants to so much gore. Based on how much work that had been, she did not envy the clean-up crew.
The damage to Hiead himself was extensive…but not career threatening. He had proven himself to be a rapid healer in the past, and even with the broken bones he'd suffered, Rill had no doubt she'd be trying to hold him down within the hour. Already, she'd placed him in a bed with reinforced restraints.
So she was not specifically concerned about Hiead's physical condition.
She was, as most people were, extremely curious about his mental health. She wanted to know why Hiead had done this.
He had experienced 80G before and somehow survived. But the machine had recorded a ten second pause between the initial command and the next that had nearly killed Hiead. Something had happened in that small interval…something important.
Rill wanted—needed to know what Hiead had been thinking. He was not one to do something like this without a real reason. She had seen the desire, jealousy, and rage burning in his eyes when Erts had been picked. He would not endanger himself to this degree…unless he was afraid of being passed over again.
Of course, since it was next to impossible to have cameras in the gravity chamber, there was no way to confirm this. She had a feeling Hiead would deny everything…if he even spoke of the incident at all.
So there was no way for her to know that she was both right and wrong in her hypothesis.
* * * * *
Zero had done everything in his power to keep news of Hiead's "accident" from Roose. Hearing something like that might erase all his effort in pushing Roose to work harder.
Wrecka had quickly seen the wisdom in that, and he hadn't even had to tell her. She was very perceptive when she wasn't ogling Roose. Together, they formed something of a barrier around Roose, managing to filter Hiead out of every conversation.
Kizna had not helped, but then, Zero had not asked her to.
It was odd, though.
Kizna had never needed to be told when her help was required, and when it was welcome. She'd always had an eye for such things, and clearly this was something she could help with.
But, for some reason, she had chosen not to.
It was an insignificant act…but not to Zero.
It was unlike Kizna enough that it almost worried him. But he did not question her choice.
Wrecka had enough sway among the Repairers to keep them from discussing Hiead within earshot of Roose, and Zero did the same with his fellow Candidates. Yamagi had actually put up some resistance, claiming that maybe Roose needed to realize that no one was invincible early on, before he became a Pilot.
Zero couldn't really argue with that…so he'd merely poked and cajoled until Yamagi was forced to admit that Roose might not take the news so well. He couldn't help but respect Yamagi for it, though.
They were both trying to toughen Roose up, but in their own ways. Zero did it because he cared, and he assumed that was why Yamagi did it, as well.
Roose never did find out about Hiead's stunt, so no one could really say how he would've reacted.
* * * * *
The boy slowly placed the forms back onto the desk. "Then…it's true? She's really…gone?"
Kuro Rivould continued to rub the bridge of his nose. "It would seem so, Mr. Fortan."
"But…that doesn't…" Clay paused, shaking his head. "WHY?"
Suddenly inspired, the doctor raised his head. "That," he said quietly, "will be your next assignment, Mr. Fortran. I want you to tell me precisely why she retired."
"Sir…is that even possible?"
"There are…many answers to this. I merely expect you to present your insights on the matter. The statements I can confirm or deny will be graded. The others…well…perhaps you'll be able to assess them yourself, one day." Kuro stopped to study the boy. "If you feel this is too challenging, I will understand."
"No," he replied at once, pushing his glasses up on his nose. "I'm sure this will prove to be…extremely interesting."
Kuro smiled at him, but when Clay had gone, the smile faded. He turned his chair to the window, watching the stars and the inky darkness of space. "You didn't even say goodbye," he whispered. "You didn't even say goodbye…"
* * * * *
Phil had promised to delay the ceremony for at least an hour.
That would be plenty of time.
There would've been even more time if Teela had personally requested the delay.
But she wanted, for the moment, to escape general notice.
Besides, an hour would more than suffice.
It was amusing, the manner in which people on G.O.A. reacted to her presence when she didn't wish to be noticed. Anyone she passed in the hallway would sneeze, cough, shake their head uncertainly, or keep going, convinced that nothing out of the ordinary had taken place.
She was pleased to find that there were only two people in the medical ward, and that one of them was Dr. Croford. While she was not concerned with being seen, the less people that were around, the faster the visit would go.
Dr. Croford had fallen asleep moments before Teela set foot into the medical ward, and she would not awaken until one of the nurses found her. The damage report rested neatly in her lap; she'd stopped somewhere on the third page.
Teela walked to the other side of the bed, carefully cupping Hiead's pale face in her hands.
The fact that he did not awaken at once proved that he really was exhausted.
She stroked his white hair tenderly, running her fingers through it several times. "I'm sorry," she said.
There was no reply.
"Not yet," she murmured. "It is not your time."
Dr. Croford shifted slightly in her seat, but did not wake up.
Teela drew back one hand, but the other lingered on Hiead's cheek. "You've worked so hard. I'm sorry."
* * * * *
Erts stared at the bed for a long moment before reaching over to smooth out a tiny crease in the sheets.
"There are attendants for that, Erts-san," said a quiet voice from the doorway.
"I'm aware, Kazuhi-san," he replied almost absently, still focused on the bed. "But I honestly think Zero will sleep better here, knowing that a friend prepared his room, rather than someone who will never even speak to him." He did not mention that all the time he'd spent straightening up the room would leave a considerable psychic imprint for anyone aware enough to sense it. Kazuhi would not doubt draw that conclusion on her own.
He was a bit surprised when she moved past him and began to adjust the pillows. "Kazuhi-san?"
"I imagine," she responded, "that…your friend will have a hard enough time adjusting to the other Pilots. If he is meant to lead us, we should all do everything in our power to make him more comfortable."
Erts had a feeling she meant Gareas in particular, but did not feel the need to say so. "I couldn't help but notice the room didn't really appear…to be lived in."
Kazuhi glanced at him. "Teela-sama did not reside here."
"Oh." Erts decided he would pursue that train of thought no further. "How is Yu taking her retirement?"
As expected, Kazuhi promptly finished with the pillows and turned to him. She always seemed to do that when discussing Yu, as if not facing the listener would dishonor her brother somehow.
"Onii-sama has not said a word since she left. I believe he is meditating now." She paused. "He seemed somewhat…distressed."
Erts was surprised, but not by Kazuhi's openness. "He wouldn't allow you to comfort him?" His tone spoke volumes, as if not realizing Kazuhi's very presence was a comfort should be a huge oversight.
Kazuhi stared at him for a split second before glancing away. "There are times when only meditation can soothe him."
"I see." Erts did his best to ignore the single emotion he'd gleamed from her. "Have you…given any thought to what you will do afterwards?"
Kazuhi blinked. "Afterwards?" she asked, giving him a curious look.
"After…Yu's term of service has ended?" The instant it left his mouth, Erts wished he could take it back.
But Kazuhi did not seem to be angry at all. "Yes. But I do not wish to speak of that."
"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to pry."
"If you had meant to pry, Erts-san," she replied patiently, "I am sure you would already know my plans."
Erts looked horrified. "Kazuhi-san…I would never…"
"I know," she said simply, walking past him.
Erts paused, not quite sure what had just happened.
A hand touched his shoulder.
"You must not worry yourself over such things, Erts-san," she whispered, her voice strangely soothing. "I would not associate with you if I thought you would ever violate my trust."
"…Thank you, Kazuhi-san." Erts resisted the urge to breathe a sigh of relief.
She squeezed his shoulder slightly before leaving the room.
Erts took one last look around the room before nodding to himself and turning off the light.
* * * * *
The audience was still reeling from the shock of the announcement when the main doors burst open.
Two Candidates stumbled into the auditorium, clearly winded and covered in sweat. Both were too busy panting and doubled over to notice that everyone was now staring at them in surprise, disbelief, and even some anger.
They had not stopped to change into formal wear. Both wore very damp versions of the standard black G.O.A. training uniform.
Finally, one of them either sensed or felt the stares. He straightened up, blanched, and stifled a weary gasp upon realizing that the female speaker, who'd been standing behind the podium a moment ago, was now headed straight for them. He elbowed his companion with more force than he'd intended.
"Hey, that hur-!" the other Candidate started to protest before he noticed who stood before them.
"Number 85, Roose Sawamura. Number 88…Rei Enna."
The second Candidate started at his true name.
"It is my duty and privilege to announce your appointment as Goddess Pilots."
Roose looked as if he might faint. As it was, Zero had to grab his arm to keep him steady.
"Rei Enna."
Zero looked at her, still not certain of what he was feeling…only that he was supposed to feel it.
"It is my right to name you Top among Pilots, First among Goddesses."
Zero did the first thing that came to mind on an instinctive level: he let go of Roose.
Thankfully, Wrecka appeared and grabbed her Candidate—Pilot, now—just as his eyes rolled up into his head.
Zero was totally lost now. This odd woman, this living legend was telling him that he was a Pilot—and the Top, no less. It was too much.
For the first time in a long time, it was Rei who spoke for Zero.
"Teela-san…I…"
She did not let him finish, perhaps aware of the growing sense of disbelief and outrage just behind her.
"Come with me."
Zero stepped aside just as she walked swiftly between them, her footfalls light, but somehow forceful and rushed. Not knowing what else to do, he followed her.
But just as he reached the doors, he stopped and looked over his shoulder.
He instantly found Kizna's startled face among the other startled faces of the first troop. But there was something in her eyes that made her seem so…distant, so apart from the others. Zero couldn't think of a worse time for her to be isolated. He decided then and there that he would have a serious talk with her…and the monster living inside her. When he became a Pilot, he could not afford to merely hope that Kizna was with him. He needed to KNOW she was, every step of the way. If he was really going to risk everything solely for her, she, at the very least, had to be with him: mind, body, and soul.
With an easy smile, he raised his hand, flashing a victory sign at her.
It took a little longer, but she did the same, eventually mouthing the words, "You did it."
Zero shook his head, his smile growing wider. "We did it," he corrected. "We're partners."
She nodded and blushed, admitting her error. "Right. Partners."
He shot her a wink before running after Teela.