By: Ann Lowe
Chapter One © 12/26/03 -- 2/16/04 (Actually written in only six hours. . .)
Author's Notes: Chapter One is separated into four parts: Gareas, Ernest, Zero, and Hiead (in that order). Sorry, but this is more information. *sigh* I'll make it as amusing as I possibly can -- promise! The real story starts with Chapter Two (which shouldn't be too long in the making). This may or may not be as long as the Prologue. I don't know. Combined, all four parts will *definitely* be as long. Each part? I dunno. If they are, I'll be putting them up one or two at a time instead of all together (that'd be a lot of reading, plus it gives me a chance for more reviews :P).
BIG CORRECTION: That (above) was my original intent. Then I did the first bit of Gareas' part and decided: blargh. So, there's one big opener, and the rest are the four mains as teenagers running through their lives and getting their letters (you'll see -- Philly had to come up sooner or later). It'll have their name in big pretty letters when it changes. ^^ You'll get it; promise! (And if you don't, no offense, but you're really stupid.)
Disclaimer: I do not own Megami Kouhosei, that right is held by Sugisaki Yukiru-senpai and the people that ran the anime (I dunno who they are. . .). I own a DVD and some dreams here, folks. *grin* If I owned the series. . .well, I wouldn't be writing fanfiction.
Warnings: Yaoi, Yuri, Angst, Death, Blood, Angst, Language, Inner Monologue (yes, those deserve warnings), Angst, Death, and Romance if you dig for a long ways and use a microscope.
Story Teaser: In the end, love did not suffice. They saved humanity, and thus were given a second chance; who but the most ignorant would pass it up? G/E, H/Z (Reincarnation with a twist.)
Chapter Teaser: Conceived upon death, life is begun anew. Circumstances may differ, but the soul does not.
"I'm what?"
The hall linked to the infirmary seemed to jointly wince as the high-pitched feminine squeak echoed through the air. No one dared to take a peek.
"You're pregnant, Leena. Get over it," Dr. Rill said, rolling her eyes and carrying the confirmation files back over to her desk.
"But-but-" the dumbfounded blonde repairer stuttered. "How?!" she shrieked again. "We used protection, dammit!"
Rill just looked at her. "If you didn't want to get pregnant, you shouldn't have had sex at all, Ms. Fujimura. Abstinence is the best protection."
"Aargh!" Leena growled, punching the table beneath her.
"I presume I don't even need to ask who the father is?" Rill turned so she was facing Leena and leaned back against the desk, holding herself up with her hands. Leena glared at her.
"How many people do you think I was sleeping with?!" Leena shouted before her eyes suddenly filled with tears and Rill had to suppress a groan.
Pregnant women are so moody, she thought in annoyance.
"I never. . ." Leena trailed off, sniffling.
"I never said you were sleeping with numerous men. I just made the statement that you don't need to have a DNA check for the father. That's all," Rill said, sighing. "Now, I suggest you find one of the pilots to help you pack for Zion." Leena nodded.
Upon the defeat of the General, GIS and GOA had both released a statement giving all of their workers the option of going to live on the beautiful planet they had worked so hard to protect or remaining at G.I.S., training the military. That had been three months ago. The workers who decided to move to Zion were all being put into a closed-city that would have just enough room for them and its previous residents. The city was built to house one million people, give or take families that had children or people that died. Completely self-sufficient, there were enough houses and apartments for everyone and living on the streets was virtually impossible. Most of the staff had taken them up on the offer. Leena, personally, didn't know anyone who hadn't.
Walking down the halls to her room, suspiciously empty of personal belongings, Leena was frowning.
How in the name of all that's mighty could I be pregnant? she asked herself fiercely. The last time we had sex was almost 36 hours before Garu. . . she trailed off, sniffling again. She didn't notice the blond man coming around the corner in time to avoid knocking into him, and fell viciously on her seat. "Ouch!" she exclaimed, bringing her hand up to rub her forehead.
"Oh!" Erts exclaimed, catching himself before he lost his balance. "I'm terribly sorry, Leena-san, I didn't notice you coming around that corner. Here, let me help you up," he said kindly, putting his hand out for the fallen lady to grab.
"Thanks, Erts, it's no big deal," Leena said, shrugging it off. "I wasn't paying very good attention."
Erts laughed lightly. "Neither was I. I think we're even," he said pleasantly, pulling her upright.
"Actually, it's good luck that I found you," Leena said, avoiding a pun. "I need a bit of help getting all of my things together. My final check-up before launch went. . .strangely."
"I'd love to," Erts said kindly, extending his arm to her. "Shall we?" Leena laughed.
Ever since the final battle, Erts had been more talkative towards her than usual. She could only imagine why. She'd only lost her pilot. But, nevertheless Leena was very grateful for Erts' company. He was a wonderful guy and nice to talk to; she envied Tune sometimes.
Only a few days before the Zion offer, Erts and Tune had announced their engagement. Needless to say, it had come as a shock to everyone: they had never really been close and had never gone out. But, more than that, they were both in love with someone else. And their "someone else" was dead. Leena could sympathize with their feelings on the issue, but could never see herself being with anyone but Gareas. It would always feel like some weird sort of betrayal.
After Erts helped her pack, Leena thanked him and watched him leave. I wonder what he was thinking, proposing to Tune. It's obvious that he cares for her, yes, but not in the sort of husband-wife way. I'm sure Tune, brilliant as she is, realizes it, too. There's got to be more going on here than I know about. Leena sighed once more before paging for a cart -- she was ready to go.
After arriving on Zion, Leena was lead to the house she would inhabit for the rest of her life, and the workmen brought her things up. Just as Leena was staring at the relatively few boxes, next to no furniture, and empty space, the door burst open to reveal Rioroute, Phil, Clay, Saki, and Erts.
"We're here to help you unpack, and -- " Erts grinned and held out his arm. " -- go with you to buy furniture." Leena laughed and agreed, finding Tune in the driver's seat of the awaiting truck. Four hours -- and hundreds of laughs -- later, Leena had furniture for every room of the house (compliments of G.I.S.) and a much lighter view on life.
Sitting down on one of her newly-bought armchairs (the boys had helped her set things up while the girls helped her unpack her meager belongings), Leena rubbed her stomach affectionately and came to the best conclusion she could think of: just keep living on with the remnants of her friends.
Rioroute and Phil came down here when Rio's EX ran out. How long ago was that? Two and a half years ago? Three years? I really am getting old if I can't remember. It was nice to see those two again. . .really nice. They even saved getting married so the rest of the pilots could go! And Rio's still the glutton he's always been. Leena let her eyes drift shut as her mind focused on the good points in life, for the first time since her lover's death. The idea Clay had was pretty damn good, too. A school for the gifted. G.I.S. is even sponsoring the building! There is life after war. She rubbed her stomach again, looking down at her fingers. And then there's this little one. I have to be the best mother I can for its sake. And in honor of its father. Her hand stopped its motion as her vision blurred. I will. I'll be the best mother I can be.
She was startled from her thoughts as a knock came at her door. Looking at the clock, her eyebrows furrowed. Who would be calling at ten p.m.? Getting up and answering the door, she was even more surprised to see Erts and Tune, for the second time that day.
"Hey guys. . .forget something?" she asked, smiling.
"No, not precisely," Erts replied, mirroring her smile. "Mind if we come in?"
"Not at all! I wasn't really planning on going to bed for a while, anyway."
Erts blushed. "Sorry about the time. . .it's just that no one else would show up at this time of night and we can talk uninterrupted."
"I understand," Leena acknowledged, nodding. "Come and sit down."
After the three of them had taken their seats, Erts let out a small sigh and gave her a wry smile. "I'm going to tell you something now, and I really hope that you'll believe me. It will both confuse you and illuminate some points."
Leena chuckled. "I've seen so much, I doubt anything could surprise me."
Tune and Erts looked at one another for a second.
"Oh, you'll be surprised," Tune assured, giving the floor back to her fiancé.
"The night we defeated the General, I headed back to my room like I normally do. To my own very great surprise, Teela was there waiting for me. She told me something that both surprised me and left me slack-jawed; because of the unfairness Fate had dealt us all, we were being offered a second chance. She was the one who gave instructions for us to be sent to Zion, you know.
"Well, rather than warm my heart, this offer almost saddened me. Sure, we're being offered a second chance. . .but what about those who died in this cause? They deserve happiness more than anyone else, and they can never receive it.
"Teela told me I was wrong. She told me that Fate had needed the deaths of our comrades, and was justly rewarding them as well. Because of the situations of their deaths, and the meanings behind them, Zero-kun, Hiead-san, Elidd-san, and Oniisan are all being reborn." He put up a hand before Leena could laugh. "Why do you think you're pregnant, Leena-san? I know very well that you and Elidd-san were careful -- were you to become with child, you would have to resign."
Leena's mind reeled. "So you're trying to tell me that my child will be Gareas himself?" she asked, a laugh in her voice. "Erts, darling, I think you took a couple too many hits to the head."
"Are you saying that reincarnation is an impossibility?"
"Yes! I mean, come on!" Noting their incredulous looks, Leena sighed. "Okay, so maybe reincarnation exists. Maybe. So maybe I'm going to give birth to my dead boyfriend. Sure. Question, though: where the hell are Ernest, Zero, and Hiead coming from?" Leena hadn't really been expecting an answer.
"Why do you think I proposed to Tune-san, Leena-san? I care about her a great deal, yes, but I never really fell in love with her," Erts said quietly, reaching over and squeezing Tune's hand. Tune just smiled.
"And why would I accept?" Tune asked in her small voice. "I was in love with Ernest-san; Erts was in love with Zero-san. Perhaps you came to the conclusion that we both found peace within the other. Maybe that is so. . .but not to the extent that you think."
"Tune is to have Oniisan," Erts said with a small laugh. "I know you must feel slightly weirded out by having your lover for your son, but. . .think of how I feel about having my elder brother as my own?"
"All right. . .I'm starting to believe you. Starting," Leena conceded. Erts was far too down-to-earth to make something like this up. Especially since it dealt with both Gareas and Zero. "But what about Hiead and Zero?" Leena had never been one for polite suffixes. . .she'd left that up to everyone else.
"Teela told me they'll come into this world the same way they did the first time," Erts said with a slight nod.
"What, you mean they're gonna have the same parents? I thought Zero's were dead," Leena muttered bewilderedly.
"No. Neither Hiead-san nor Zero-kun was "born", so to speak. They were both genetically created. The woman who created Zero-kun ran off with him, Zero-kun told me that much himself. Teela apparently told him. I don't know what happened to make Hiead-san such a. . ." Erts trailed off.
"Bastard?" Leena supplied.
"I was going to go for headstrong control freak, but that works, too," Erts said with a laugh. "All I know is what Teela has told me." Leena's eyebrows knit together. Erts used no suffix -- polite or otherwise -- with Teela. She decided not to ask.
"So where are Hiead and Zero going after they're. . .created?" she asked, pausing on the last word.
"Apparently to parents of some sort. I'd assume an orphanage, with Fate to put them into homes. Maybe Hiead'll be less bastardic."
"Somehow I doubt it," Leena said dryly. Erts blinked at her. "Well, Fate's giving us a second chance, right? I presume they mean the us that was part of G.I.S. -- or just G.O.A. in Hiead's case. Well, something happened to fuck Hiead up, and for them to honestly have a second chance, it'd have to happen again. So, most likely, he'll still be a jack-ass." Leena snorted. "I met him, what, twice, and even I think he's a dipweed. That really says something for the kid." Erts had to admit he agreed.
"I guess this means Elidd-san'll still be bossy and loud, doesn't it?" Erts asked with a grin.
"And Ernest'll be quiet as hell. Geez, that annoyed me. I mean, sure, he was in love with the same person as me, but he could have said something," Leena growled, then blanched when Tune's face changed into a sad smile. "Crap. I'm sorry, Tune. That was a bit heartless of me."
"Not really. It was true is what it was. Ernest-san was infatuated with Elidd-san. Elidd-san was the first person not to be afraid of him; very much like Zero-san and Erts," Tune said gently. Leena noted the absence of suffix in Tune's mention of her partner. "I knew it, and I accept it." She giggled. "It's very likely to happen this time around, as well," she said with a smile. Leena blinked.
"Y'know, I didn't think of that. At least I'll have all his cute little childhood to keep me from loving him. . .like that again. Hmm. . .lessee if we can make Ernest say something this time around, ne?" Then another thought hit her. "Wait. . .will they have their EX?"
Erts frowned. "Teela didn't say. I would assume so, since the pilots living now have their EX intact. That could be a bit awkward for Oniisan, couldn't it? Oh well -- I'm sure that even though the General has been defeated, there are still children being born with EX in the world. And I'm sure Elidd-san will accept him again, ne?"
"If he's still Gareas this time around, I'm sure of it." Leena smiled to herself, then looked down at her hands. "You know. . .I think Gareas loved Ernest back, the exact way Ernest loved Gareas. It was almost as if he was afraid of letting people know about it. I know it wasn't because they were both male -- several of the pilots have turned out to be gay." Erts chuckled. "I don't know why he never said anything. . .unless, of course, he's even more stupid than we give him credit for and never realized Ernest was in love with him." She twitched. "That, somehow, sounds just like Gareas."
"It does," Erts agreed, sighing.
"Hey. . .do you think we'll ever be seeing Zero or Hiead?" Leena asked casually, not wanting to give Erts too much hope but still wanting an answer.
"Yes. Clay is starting a school for the gifted, right? Well, Hiead and Zero were, if nothing else, extremely gifted. They'll get in. I myself am going to be a teacher there. History, to be exact. Clay says there's a place for you, too, Leena-san."
"I was planning on it, yeah. A foreign language. German or Russian -- both are really fun. I like ancient languages." Erts nodded in agreement.
"I'm not really meant to be a teacher," Tune said with a small laugh. "I'm going to be working as a doctor at the hospital."
"You'll be good at it," Leena agreed.
Erts looked at the clock. "Wow. Well, I suppose we should get going," he said with a sigh. "See you tomorrow, most likely." Leena nodded.
"See you!" she called as they walked out the door.
And I'll see you, too, in 16 years. Just like you were when we first met. I promise.
*~*~*~* GAREAS *~*~*~* (easy enough to follow?)
The fifteen-year-old boy whistled cheerily as he entered his home, kicked off his shoes, and headed into the kitchen. Dropping the mail on the table, he kicked the refrigerator open and pulled out a jug of orange juice. Grabbing a glass from the cabinet, he filled it with orange juice and put it on the table. Pulling open yet another cabinet, he found a bag of chips and sat down to go through the mail.
There wasn't really much. He received four items: a sports magazine, a letter from his school (his final, end-of-the-year report card), a letter from his cross-city pen pal, and a letter from the Philadelphia School for Exceptional Youngsters. He would have laughed at the name, had his mother not worked there. Raising an eyebrow and wondering if they'd stuck his name on something meant for his mom, he opened the letter.
Dear Mr. Elidd,
We would like to congratulate you on being accepted to our fine academy! You have been viewed by our agents for the last three months and have been deemed someone we would like to start school with us here next month.
No, this has nothing to do with your mother.
Following is your stay information:
Dorm Number: 48A
Dorm Partner: Carl Kolski
Homeroom Advisor: Mr. Azuma Hijikata, F201
Schedule:
Hour One: English 1, A402
Hour Two: Math 1, C302
Hour Three: History 1, B602
Hour Four: Science 1, E602
Hour Five: Gym 1, F201
Hour Six: FACS, J401
Hour Seven: Tech Ed. 1, K101
You have two-hour classes of One, Three, Five, and Seven on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. You have two-hour classes of Two, Four, and Six on Tuesdays and Fridays (we figure less work on Friday makes for a happier student body). The MWT classes are from 8-10, 10:30-12:30, 2-4, and 4:30-6:30. The TF classes are from 8-10, 10:30-12:30, and 2-4. The school offers breakfast from 7-8, lunch from 12:30-2, and dinner from 6:30-8. There are many small cafés open on campus during the day and places for students to hang out and converse. The school also offers the following sports and clubs (each student may be in one sport and two clubs):
Sports: Basketball, Soccer, Swimming, Hockey, Kendo, and Archery.
Clubs: Literature, Sports, Art, Drama, Student Council (by election only -- the first council of four members per grade is chosen by the school; regular elections are at the end of the year), and Chorus. Other clubs may be opened by request.
Sports meet from noon until four on Saturdays, and may also meet during times set by the coach. Clubs meet whenever the club decides to do so -- most are on weekdays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
Students are allowed to partake in religion on their free Sundays as long as they don't force it on any other students. Visits home are allowed only on parental pick-up and prior notice, emergencies excepted.
You are expected to get along with your dorm mate. If, by some incident, you are unable to look at one another without wanting to maim or kill, we have counselors. You may not change dorm mate's.
You are expected to show respect towards your teachers, parent or no. Any disrespect results in detention. (Which is an ugly 8-hour thing on Sundays.)
The first-year classes are all requirements, as are the level 2 and 3 versions of English, Math, Science, and History. For your second and third years you may pick three electives. You will be given the class list during registration at the end of the year.
We expect to see you March 28th, at noon in the auditorium for the welcome ceremony. Be prepared to introduce yourself publicly. You may start arriving at 8 a.m. to put your things into your room. Welcome to Philadelphia's Smart-School, Mr. Elidd.
Sincerely, Clay Cliff Fortran, Director/Principle
Gareas just blinked. "Well, shoot. How'd I get into Philly?" he muttered, using the common nickname for the school. "Mom coulda told me they were watching me -- I woulda acted like shit." He groaned. "Aww. . .man." Leena took that moment to walk through the front door.
"I'm home!"
"MOM! I got into the damn smart-school! I blame you!" Gareas yelled, running to meet her with his letter.
"Oh, you knew you were going to. You're brilliant, Garu. And you know that I had nothing to do with it," Leena said with a grin.
"Sure you did! You made me, dammit!" he whined, trailing after his mother back into the kitchen. "This sucks."
"And, why exactly, does this "suck"?" Leena asked, raising an eyebrow at her outspoken son.
"Because it does!" he answered lamely.
"Well, if it makes you feel any better, Ernest got in, too. At least you'll know someone," Leena soothed. Somehow, she and Erts had forgotten about the fact that they knew each other, and Gareas and Ernest would meet first that way. They'd clicked instantly, and it was obvious to anyone who looked -- minus, of course, Gareas -- that Ernest was in love with his best friend. Gareas was more guarded than he had been in his last life -- Leena was unable to explain why -- and no one could tell what his feelings in reverse were, but he'd never hurt his friend.
". . .well, okay. I suppose it won't be so bad. Just full of book-smart preppie people." Leena scowled at him.
"Full of book-smart preppie people, my ass. We scout for kids who are both brilliant and going to amount to something. We've got the book-smart ones, yourself included, but no one who's got "I'm rich and I rule" syndrome. You know I wouldn't put up with that bull. Sure, we've got bullies and assholes. . .but who doesn't? I mean, honestly!"
"Fine, fine!" Gareas surrendered, putting up his hands. "Don't kill me, please!" Leena stuck out her tongue at him.
"Well, you have to be there on the 28th. It is now the first. Go have fun, you dork!" she grinned, swatting him.
"Yes, ma'am!" Gareas saluted before running out the front door, leaving his unfinished snack and unread mail sitting on the table.
*~*~*~* ERNEST *~*~*~* (fool-proof. honest.)
Several miles away, another -- more reserved -- teenager was quietly reading through his own mail. He wasn't surprised with his letter at all.
Dear Mr. Cuore,
Yadda, yadda. . .
Following is your stay information:
Dorm: 43A
Dorm Partner: William Lowe
Homeroom Advisor: Mr. Sure La Card, A402
Schedule:
Hour One: Math 1, C302
Hour Two: Science 1, E602
Hour Three: History 1, B602
Hour Four: English 1, A402
Hour Five: FACS, J401
Hour Six: Tech Ed. 1, K101
Hour Seven: Gym 1, F201
Ernest very calmly gave his letter to his father when he got home and went up to his room to read. Unfortunately for him (or fortunately?) he received a call at quarter to seven from a certain green-haired friend, and was forced to go all the way back downstairs to ask if he could go to a movie then stay over at Gareas'. And, of course, Erts said "yes."
"So what time will you be home?" the blond man asked, putting down his own book and looking up at his son from his place on the sofa.
"Probably around noon. Leena-san doesn't have work tomorrow either," Ernest supplied in a quiet voice. "Garu said she'd drop me off after lunch. Either that or after supper," he added with a slight laugh. "Garu said something incoherent about school shopping. Leena-san does like to do those things early. I suppose he'll probably drag me along so he doesn't have to buy anything that Leena-san likes yet he doesn't."
Erts laughed slightly. "So sometime tomorrow? I'll be home all day working on fix-ups. Your mother has a twelve-hour shift starting at seven in the morning, so if you're going to be home after seven, don't. You know Leena'll keep you another night if you explain things to her." Ernest nodded. "So when are you getting picked up?"
"I'm going to call Garu back and tell him that I can come over, then he said Leena-san would pick me up. We're going to "Sanderson Bridge" and Leena-san wanted to see it as well."
"All right. Do you need any money?"
"No. I still have the majority of my speech prize left," Ernest said politely, referring to the speech competition he'd entered towards the end of the school year and won. His voice was soft, yes, but it was also pleasant to listen to and he was a good speech-giver.
"You shouldn't have to spend that on this," Erts argued, pulling his wallet from his back pocket and flipping it open. He pulled out a twenty. Before Ernest could protest, he said, "Think of it as a gift for good grades. No arguing. Go call your friend back."
"Yes sir," Ernest laughed lightly, taking the money and putting it into his pocket. Walking up to his bedroom, he grabbed the cordless phone from the hall and dialed Gareas' number -- the only one besides his own he had memorized. As the phone rang he pulled a well-used duffel bag from under his bed and started putting two outfits and a clean set of pajamas into it. He also added his book (as well as its sequel) and CD binder as a second thought. Of course, Gareas picked up before he was done with this.
"Hello!" Gareas' voice came over the line.
"Hey. My dad said I can come. What time does the movie start?" Ernest asked politely, folding his clothes in a fashion that resembled his voice.
"Eight. We'll have time to drop your stuff off here at my house before we go over there. We'll be over to pick you up in a jiff! Bye!" Gareas said before hanging up. Ernest chuckled. Gareas was possibly the most impulsive person he'd ever met. Of course, Ernest didn't have many friends -- being a telepath, most people were afraid of him. He had a few good friends, and that was enough for him. He didn't need to be super-popular. Plus, he had Gareas.
The thought of his friend alone was enough to make Ernest feel unnaturally happy. He knew he was in love with the older boy, but he couldn't bring himself to care. So what if they were both guys? He -- and all of those close to him -- had always been of the firm opinion that if you fell in love with someone of your same gender, so what? So you weren't going to have babies; who cares? If you fall in love with someone of the same sex, you aren't meant to have children in the first place. Ernest liked that theory.
Zipping up his duffel and stuffing his feet into his shoes, Ernest pulled a light sweater on over his t-shirt. He dressed very conservatively in fit jeans, plain or logo-ed t-shirts, knit or cuffed sweaters, and plain tennis shoes. His blond hair was cut short except for a part in the front and he was of a slim build. This was a direct contrast to his best friend. Gareas' green hair was slightly longer than would be politically correct, ragged, and usually looked as though he'd just climbed out of bed. He wore baggy jeans, cargo pants, or baggy shorts with band-logo t-shirts or hoodies. His hoodies were always either black or dark blue and raggedy-looking from over-use. Gareas' shoes were even worn. He somehow managed to wear out everything he owned in the course of just one school year. Philly didn't have a uniform, so Ernest knew that the school shopping would most certainly consist of clothes.
And Ernest had no problem helping to pick out Gareas' clothes.
Ernest only had to wait downstairs for about ten minutes before Leena and Gareas pulled up. Gareas felt it necessary to come and say "hi" to either Erts or Tune -- whichever was home -- every time he stole their son away. Erts always found it cute. Ernest just found it annoying, but he'd never say so.
As if on cue, Gareas burst through the front door. He never knocked anymore.
"Heya, Erts!" Gareas said cheerfully, waving to Ernest's father. He had inherited his mother's non-use of suffixes. "I'm gonna steal Ernest for a bit, okay?" Gareas asked, not really expecting an answer. "See you!" he called before grabbing Ernest by the wrist and tugging him out the front door.
Ernest always found it amazing that Gareas didn't mind touching him. Of course, Ernest never read the older boy's brain, but it was the idea of the thing that mattered.
Following his near-skipping friend to the car and dropping his duffel in the trunk, Ernest climbed into the rear passenger-side seat, Gareas dropping next to him behind his mother.
"Nice to see you, Ernest!" Leena exclaimed from the front seat. "It's been, what, four days already? I think that might be a new record for the two of you," she teased.
"Mom~" Gareas whined.
"Oh, okay. I'll stop teasing you." Leena smiled. The two boys were best friends. Best friends could even be considered an understatement; they were almost always in each other's company when out of school. Since they lived in different districts of Philadelphia, they couldn't go to school together, but that was all right. So long as they could see each other regardless. When either boy's parent wanted to punish their child (far more often Leena punishing Gareas than Erts and Tune punishing Ernest), they just wouldn't allow him to see his counterpart.
Ernest was the brains, always helping Gareas with schoolwork when he didn't understand. He understood most of the time, so it was a guarantee that Ernest wasn't being used. Gareas was the brawn, always protecting Ernest when someone tried to pick on him for his talents. He couldn't do anything about it during actual school, but he could almost always pick it out of Ernest when he'd been bullied. Ernest almost considered Gareas more telepath than himself. Almost.
"So how was your last day of school?" Gareas asked, poking Ernest in the ribs.
"Fine, I guess. There wasn't much to do, since I finished all my finals on Monday."
"Yeah. . .me too. I got my report card in the mail today. All A's again." He grinned. "I kick ass."
Ernest chuckled. "Modest, aren't you?"
"Hey -- I deserved all of those grades! It's why they accepted me to Philly, after all," he said, laughing. Ernest nodded.
"You are exceptionally smart and talented. It was only natural," he said, teasing Gareas.
Gareas stuck his tongue out. "And of course you would be accepted. Genius boy."
Ernest bowed his head modestly, grinning. Gareas couldn't help but laugh.
"So whaddya wanna do after the movie? Ice cream?" Gareas asked, unable to keep the "oh please say yes" out of his voice. Leena chuckled.
"Sure. My dad gave me way too much money for just one movie. I'll buy the ice cream," Ernest offered politely. Leena and Gareas had learned a long time ago to never argue with him. Ernest hated favors as much as Gareas did, but Ernest actually got upset when he couldn't treat his friend every once and a while. Garu just whined.
He'd be hard-pressed to admit it aloud, but whenever Ernest looked upset, Gareas wanted to painfully murder the source of his friend's strife. And when that source was him, well. . . Gareas couldn't help but be a bit of a masochist.
"All right. Thanks, Ernest," Leena said politely.
"Ice cream!" Gareas cheered, pumping his fist in the air.
Ernest laughed a little into his hand. "You're a nut."
"Member since 3036."
"Ain't that the truth," Leena snorted. Gareas puffed his chest out and grinned cockily. Ernest was unable to resist poking him in the stomach and making him contract back into the seat. He had learned all his friend's ticklish spots quite quickly.
The rest of the evening went much like the car ride, Ernest and Gareas finally having important conversation late that night in Gareas' room. Ernest wound up staying over the next night as well, having been out with Gareas shopping until eight. It was time well spent, in both boys' opinions.
*~*~*~* ZERO *~*~*~* (gettin' the idea?)
After stopping by the elementary school and picking up his younger brother, Zero Enna, now fifteen years old, usually got home about twenty-five minutes after getting out of school. His last day of school had been somewhat boring, being as exams had ended the day before, but he was anticipating his report card so he was in a pretty good mood, anyway.
When they got to the house, Zero let Caleb look through the mail -- the eleven-year-old enjoyed doing so greatly -- and opened up the door. Putting his shoes neatly in the closet and dropping his backpack next to them, Zero went into the kitchen to make his own and Caleb's snacks.
Once both sandwiches and glasses of milk were on the table, Caleb sat down, plopping the mail down in front of himself.
"Hmm. . ." the little boy said, rummaging through the mail. "Lessee. . .letter for mom, bill for dad, bill for mom, letter for me -- ooh! Grandma! -- bill for dad, magazine for mom, letter for you, letter for mom, and another letter for you!" Caleb passed Zero his two letters and settled down with his own letter and snack.
Zero had only been expecting one letter. . .who the second was from was beyond him. The first was his grades, as expected (all A's), but the second was from the Philadelphia School for Exceptional Youngsters. Zero's eyebrows shot up. He tore the letter open quickly and read the contents.
Dear Mr. Enna,
We would like to congratulate you on being accepted to our fine academy! You have been viewed by our agents for the last three months and have been deemed someone we would like to start school with us here next month.
Following is your stay information:
Dorm Number: 37A
Dorm Partner: Hiead Gner
Homeroom Advisor: Mr. Erts Virny Cocteau, B602
Schedule:
Hour One: Math 1,C302
Hour Two: Science 1, E602
Hour Three: History 1, B602
Hour Four: English 1, A402
Hour Five: Tech. Ed 1, K101
Hour Six: FACS, J401
Hour Seven: Gym 1, F201
(Same as Gareas'.)
We expect to see you March 28th, at noon in the auditorium for the welcome ceremony. Be prepared to introduce yourself publicly. You may start arriving at 8 a.m. to put your things into your room. Welcome to Philadelphia's Smart-School, Mr. Enna.
Sincerely, Clay Cliff Fortran, Director/Principle
"What's the matter? Why're you so bug-eyed?" Zero was finally snapped out of his reverie by Caleb's blunt questioning.
"I got accepted into Philly," Zero said, in awe. Caleb dropped his sandwich.
"Seriously?!" Even the younger boy had heard of Philly -- everyone had. "You should call mom and dad!" the boy screeched, jumping up. Zero didn't have the heart to tell him that their parents wouldn't care.
No, they wouldn't care that Zero had gotten into the most impressive school in the city. Maybe they'd like the bragging rights. . .but actually feel proud for Zero? Nah. Zero's adopted parents were good parents, and they cared about him. . .but they'd adopted him because they thought they couldn't have children. Then along came Caleb. Were Caleb to be accepted into Philly (which Zero really doubted), they'd be ecstatic. They'd just stopped really paying attention to Zero at all.
And Zero didn't particularly care.
Loud and buoyant by nature, even his parents' dismissive behavior towards him hadn't been able to burst him. He was adopted -- he could have had it way worse than this. The family that had adopted him was rich -- all his clothes were brand new and expensive -- and kind hearted. They didn't ignore Zero -- they just really didn't care. Those were two very different things.
Zero had tried his hardest until he was about thirteen to regain the affections he'd lost at the age of four. He'd gotten wonderful grades, impressed all his teachers, been good at sports; then he realized it was futile. He'd just stopped pretending, and just fallen back into his true nature. He still got good grades, and he was still good at sports, but he wasn't perfect anymore. He didn't dress like an angel anymore and he didn't automatically do all the chores. No, he acted and looked just like a normal teenager.
Well, perhaps not normal. . .
Zero was a big fan of comfort: baggy jeans, loose t-shirts, baggy hoodies, comfortable tennis shoes. He let his hair grow past the norm and didn't spend hours making it lie down.
Zero was actually very grateful to life -- he thought it was pretty damn good. He had three really good friends that had stuck with him through everything, too. Van and KC Carter were identical twins. Dark brown hair and eyes with slightly tanner-than-usual skin, they were highly attractive and popular with the ladies. Add that to being the bassist and lead guitarist in a band, and, well, nobody really disliked them. Jason Thorps was the lead singer of that band, and Zero's best friend. Tall, thin, and muscular with wide green eyes and a great smile, Jay was pretty attractive himself. His hair hung to his shoulders, but Jay had a habit of pulling it back. Jay was also. . .well, Zero used the words "absolutely crazy" quite frequently when describing his friend. ADD positive and on no medication, Jay was always full of energy and cheerful.
All in all, Zero thought he had a pretty nice life. This new development only made things better. Deciding he had to call Jay about it right away, he snitched the phone before Caleb had a chance to really call their parents and dialed his friend. Jay picked up in two rings.
"This is the Thorps', Jay speaking. How may I help ya?"
"Hey! This is Zero. Right, I got my mail! Guess what?"
"You got into Philly?"
". . .how the hell did you guess that?"
"'Cuz I did, too. So did Van and KC. We're some lucky shitters, that we are," Jay intoned, mimicking one of his favorite anime characters. He'd been on a Rurouni Kenshin craze recently.
"Wow. How'd you guess I got in, too?" Zero asked, amazed.
"'Cuz Van asked me the exact same question -- same wording and everything -- when he called me to tell me. And I heard KC whooping in the background." Zero could practically hear Jay smile. "Awesome, isn't it?"
"Hell yeah! This is gonna rock. So who do you room with?"
"Uhm, lemme check. Van and KC room together, though. Go figure." Zero heard him pulling the letter back out of its envelope. "Uhm, I'm in room 50A with a guy named Damion Schizo. I have no idea how you pronounce this guy's last name. I've just been saying skit-zo, like schizophrenia. . ."
Zero laughed. "Who knows -- maybe it is pronounced like that?"
"I'd pity the dude. From the bottom of my heart. So who do you room with?"
"Some guy named Hiead. His last name is G-N-E-R. I don't have the faintest how to pronounce that'n."
"Whoa, me neither. Double-consonants." Jay puzzled over it for a bit -- he was a big one on grammar. He'd even gained the nickname of Hil Grammar over the years. "Nope, nada. Just ask the guy when you meet him."
"I was planning on it."
"I bet."
"I was!"
"Yep."
"Hey! I'm not that hopeless. . .am I?"
Jay giggled.
"Dude, that's creepy."
"Maybe a bit, yeah. To both comments." That took Zero a minute.
"HEY!"
"Anyway, what's your schedule?"
"Uhm. . ." Zero looked down at his letter again. "I've got, in this order, math, science, history, English, tech. ed., FACS, and gym."
"We've got History and gym together. I've got English, math, history, science, FACS, tech. ed., and gym."
"Well, two out of seven ain't bad." Zero shrugged. At least he'd know someone in that many classes.
"I think the song is "Two out of Three Ain't Bad". And KC and Van have the same schedule. I wrote it down. They've got science, English, math, history, gym, tech. ed., and FACS."
"Geez. I don't have any classes with the two of them!" Zero growled.
"Well. . .ain't much I can do t'help ya. You'll meet people," Jay said, obviously shrugging it off. "Oh, hang on a sec." There was a pause. "Dude, my mom's calling me downstairs. I should prolly tell her about the acceptance letter. Gotta go, man, lata!" and the dial tone came on.
"Crazy bum," Zero chuckled, rolling his eyes and dialing the Carter residence.
*~*~*~* HIEAD *~*~*~* (see, you're following it perfectly! kudos!)
When Hiead Gner walked into his house after his last day of 9th grade, his parents were already home.
. . .well, to call them his parents would probably be a mistake. To make a long story exceptionally short, Hiead had been adopted, his adopted parents had died in a car crash when Hiead was ten, and he'd been sent to live with his adopted mother's brother and his wife.
Who were both out-of-work alcoholics. And child-abusers. But that's beside the point.
When Hiead got home, his mother had already read through his letter from the Philadelphia School for Exceptional Youngsters and was glaring at him. Hiead, not knowing what he'd done this time, attempted to retreat back into his room.
No such luck.
"Hiead! Damn you boy, come here!" Being the good, obedient boy he was -- insert laugh here -- Hiead obeyed.
"What's wrong?" he asked in a deadpan voice. Any sense of caring or emotion Hiead had once possessed was pretty much gone. He'd lived through way too much shit.
"You got into this damn school and the sheet doesn't tell you whether or not it costs extra money!" the woman spat, yellow skin between her eyebrows creasing and cracked lips frowning.
"Doesn't the return address have a phone number? You could just call and find out. And what school?" Hiead's curiosity got the better of him.
"This one," the woman said, handing him the letter and picking up the envelope. She seemed slightly aggravated to notice the phone number on the return address. Grumbling something about "fucking brats" she picked up the phone and dialed while Hiead read.
Unfortunately, he wasn't able to get much past his name before his mother glared up at him.
"You call the damn people," she spat. Hiead realized this must mean she hadn't paid the phone bill and it was dead. Hiead had his own cell-phone that he paid for by working. Taking the envelope from the woman, he was almost unable to stop his eyes from widening. Philadelphia's School for Exceptional Youngsters. "Go upstairs and do it. If there's a fee you're paying it yourself."
Hiead just rolled his eyes and went up the stairs to his room. It was Philly -- the former institute of G.I.S. -- the founders of the city -- paid for it.
Sitting down on his bed, Hiead was finally able to read his letter. He was jolted to a stop very shortly into the text. . .but this time it wasn't because of interruption. He got to his dorm partner before he froze, eyes wide, and stared.
Dear Mr. Gner,
We would like to congratulate you on being accepted to our fine academy! You have been viewed by our agents for the last three months and have been deemed someone we would like to start school with us here next month.
Following is your stay information:
Dorm Number: 37A
Dorm Partner: Zero EnnaThe name alone made his head ache. But not only his head -- his heart. Because, you see. . .
Hiead remembered.
When you're in an extremely violent car crash, you tend to see your life flash before your eyes. Hiead, however, was fortunate enough to see two lives flash before his eyes. Because, at the moment of impact, Hiead's EX reacted and saved his life. And Hiead's EX was directly linked to his last life. Or maybe he remembered because Fate wanted them all to remember eventually, and if he died he wouldn't have that pleasure.
Either way, Hiead remembered everything.
Everything from the horrible life that had frozen his heart to the wonderful boy who'd been able to thaw it with his love. The wonderful boy whose name he was now looking at.
Fate must really like to see me squirm, Hiead thought wryly, his lips twisting. I should have known Zero would come back, too. Most likely Elidd and Cuore as well. This is our "second chance". Not much of a second chance, to fuck me up all over again. Though, I suppose, that they only wanted from the age of fifteen and on to be our second chance. Because my new life frighteningly resembles my last one.
. . .no, in all honesty, this life is a thousand times better. No one's after my life, I don't have to live with eternal pain. . .but I do nonetheless. Because I remember. I remember all the pains of my last life, the fuck-up Fate made with my new life, what it feels like to die, and. . .what it feels like to love. To love and not be with that loved one.
Hiead closed his eyes and dropped back against his pillows before forcing himself to look at the world once more and finish reading his letter.
Dorm Partner: Zero Enna
Homeroom Advisor: Mr. Azuma Hijikata, F201
Schedule:
Hour One: English 1, A402
Hour Two: Science 1, E602
Hour Three: History 1, B602
Hour Four: Math 1, C302
Hour Five: Tech. Ed 1, K101
Hour Six: FACS, J401
Hour Seven: Gym 1, F201
You have two-hour classes of One, Three, Five, and Seven on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. You have two-hour classes of Two, Four, and Six on Tuesdays and Fridays (we figure less work on Friday makes for a happier student body). The MWT classes are from 8-10, 10:30-12:30, 2-4, and 4:30-6:30. The TF classes are from 8-10, 10:30-12:30, and 2-4. The school offers breakfast from 7-8, lunch from 12:30-2, and dinner from 6:30-8. There are many small cafés open on campus during the day and places for students to hang out and converse. The school also offers the following sports and clubs (each student may be in one sport and two clubs):
Sports: Basketball, Soccer, Swimming, Hockey, Kendo, and Archery.
Clubs: Literature, Sports, Art, Drama, Student Council (by election only -- the first council of four members per grade is chosen by the school; regular elections are at the end of the year), and Chorus. Other clubs may be opened by request.
Sports meet from noon until four on Saturdays, and may also meet during times set by the coach. Clubs meet whenever the club decides to do so -- most are on weekdays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
Students are allowed to partake in religion on their free Sundays as long as they don't force it on any other students. Visits home are allowed only on parental pick-up and prior notice, emergencies excepted.
You are expected to get along with your dorm mate. If, by some incident, you are unable to look at one another without wanting to maim or kill, we have counselors. You may not change dorm mate's.
You are expected to show respect towards your teachers, parent or no. Any disrespect results in detention. (Which is an ugly 8-hour thing on Sundays.)
The first-year classes are all requirements, as are the level 2 and 3 versions of English, Math, Science, and History. For your second and third years you may pick three electives. You will be given the class list during registration at the end of the year.
We expect to see you March 28th, at noon in the auditorium for the welcome ceremony. Be prepared to introduce yourself publicly. You may start arriving at 8 a.m. to put your things into your room. Welcome to Philadelphia's Smart-School, Mr. Gner.
Sincerely, Clay Cliff Fortran, Director/Principle
Somehow, Hiead wasn't surprised that Clay was the one running the school. Boy, he must have flipped when he saw Zero and my names. . . To see your two dead candidate partners back would send anyone into a frenzy. Then again. . .this is Clay we're talking about. He probably analyzed it and called the people who might know what's going on. If Elidd and Cuore were reborn as well, they'd most likely be with Fujimura and Cocteau. Or at least Cocteau would know about it due to his link to his brother. Must have been a fun explanation.
Hiead dropped the letter onto his bed stand and threw an arm over his eyes. Fuck. Hiead had wished to see Zero again, of course. . .but not until he was well away from the assholes he was forced to rely on. When he could try and remember the happy parts of this and his last lives. As it stood, he was just as much of an asshole now as when they'd first met.
And now we just get thrown in a room together. Fate must really hate me. Maybe I wasn't supposed to help him. . .fuck that. I'd help him a hundred times over, even with this as my punishment. Even if when I meet him again he doesn't remember me. . .or love me.
Hiead shut off that line of thought. . .but inevitably moved on to a worse one -- his family. They wouldn't like this one bit, his being not-quite-straight.
When his adoptive parents had died, Hiead had been left with these. . .people. Scum. Bastards. They had resented it, but the city offered more money to those who had kids, so they'd taken him. Whenever they got drunk, and he was anywhere near either of them, they beat him. They hated having him around just as much as they'd hated the people he'd come from. Hiead didn't even try to appease them. Hiead hated them.
Rolling over fiercely, Hiead flipped his light off and buried his face in his pillow, bunching his fingers in the case. The dark shades in his room made everything pitch black. No one could see anything in the dark, and Hiead was left alone.
Only twenty-seven days, Hiead thought emphatically. Twenty-seven days and I'll be able to leave these people. Twenty-seven is my new favorite number.
*~*~*~* END CHAPTER ONE *~*~*~*
. . .okay, couldn't resist that last one. . .or the little comments. Gomen! Now, a couple quick notes:
The suffixes. Okay. Well, I was trying to show the characters' personalities through their use of suffixes. I've never seen the Japanese version of Megami Kouhosei. I've read translations of the manga, yes, and seen the English anime, yes, but I haven't watched the Japanese version (though I have parts of it. . .).
YES! This chapter was just more background information. But hey -- now that we've got THIS out of the way, we can get to the real story! Woot! *a-hem*
Oh, and, uhm, blame the happy-factor of this chapter on the music. You see, I originally popped in my normal music (Nine Inch Nails, Good Charlotte, Evanescence, Dream Theater). . .but nothing came to me. My mom's "Grammy Nominees 2000" was in the player as well (u.u; ), and when I started listening. . .it came. So this chapter was written under the influence of the above CD, Now 2, Now 4, and the original Pokemon movie soundtrack. I'm sad and pathetic. . .but that's how it worked. You want something written to NIN or GC? Check out everything else I've written. The above CDs (preppie sixth-grade ones) are why the Hiead bit was nowhere near as angsty as it should have been.
Oh yes. . .and Zero's friend Jay? Well, he's me. Except a guy. Yeah. Personality wise (I'm not that attractive), Jay = me. Those who've read any of my (or me'n'Katy's) original fiction may remember him (and Van and KC -- except this KC isn't an ass) from "Hold On," the story I wrote Katy for her birthday. VAN IS NOT ANYONE IN REAL LIFE. There, I've reiterated. KC isn't either. . .'cept for maybe all the total assholes we know. But not in this fic. Yeah.
I admit, in giant neon-green letters, that I am a total dork. Now let me be dorky in raging noise and REVIEW! Please? *big kitty-cat eyes* Sorry, I'm not a dog person. Hate me all you like. . .my own dog is a dumbshiz and she's gotten me off dogs all together. Blame the cocker, eh? (Cocker being cocker spaniel. . .not whatever else you people may be thinking.)
Once again: REVIEW! Please? You'll get nice reviewer comments. . .I promise. . .like these:
Shades: Sankyuu for reviewing! Eh-heh. . .here's the update? Mreow?
Wide Open Wounds: Here's some more!
Ronin'sOath: You will find out. *cackles* Hopefully you aren't disappointed!
Rurouni Tsuki: Aww. . .sankyuu! And sankyuu for editing chapter two! You kick ass!
Lynn: *bows* Here is your update, milady. I did update as soon as I could. . .BLAME KATY! *points at her friend* All her fault. *cackles*
Next Chapter Teaser: Arrivals, speeches, and introductions. Hot DAMN, we're in school! (There went the last of the authoress' sanity. . .yep.)