Notes: If you're still here and not outraged over the last chapter, maybe I'm better at this than I thought.
Surely you don't expect anyone to welcome Hiead with open arms…? (If you're wondering exactly what Erts did to "stun" Hiead last chapter, take another look at "His Brother's Keeper" after reading this)
The purple-haired wonder returns! (I attempted to keep one scene here from turning out too much like "Murasakige/No One Else," and I think I found a way… ::insert happy bounce here:: )
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Chapter 9
Erts watched in silence as Tune leaned over Reneighd Klein's console. They had barely spoken since Kizna's brush with death, and to be honest, he couldn't blame her.
There were many things that perhaps should've been done differently, or not at all.
Erts had long considered becoming a pacifist after the war ended, as a way to atone for any unnecessary pain and suffering he had dealt out during his service. It was days like these that convinced him that devoting himself to religion was simply no longer an option, and maybe it never had been. There were some things forgiveness simply didn't extend to include.
He was certain that Tune was upset about not being there when Kizna needed help. Though he had pointed out, rather gently, that there was not much she could've done while Hiead was in the room.
Erts suspected that Tune's real problem was with what he had done. After his first day as a Pilot, there was one thing Erts had sworn to himself that he would never find cause to do again. Yet, Hiead had driven him to it, by attempting to take Kizna's life. Gareas had never really forgiven him for that first time, nor had Erts totally forgiven himself. Now, he didn't think he would ever be able to.
But it was not all Erts's fault. So rarely did he use his EX as an offensive weapon, that when it was required, he merely acted on an instinctive level, lashing out with the most crippling thing he could muster at a moment's notice. Even that had only stopped Hiead for a few seconds, so Erts was not at all worried about having caused him serious harm.
However, Erts refused to let himself regret attacking Hiead. He would never become slack in the defense of those close to him, even if threatened by one of their own. Had it been Tune in Kizna's place, he suspected he might've done far worse to Hiead than he had. But, knowing how sensitive Tune was at the time, he decided not to mention that to her.
"Erts? Erts?"
He blinked and looked up. "Sorry, Tune. I was thinking. What did you say?"
Tune glanced over her shoulder at him. "I asked if you knew what they decided to do with that boy?"
"I wouldn't know. I've always thought it best to leave Hiead be and hope for the best, but clearly that's no longer an option. I suppose it would depend on how they see him."
"How they…see him?" Tune asked slowly, worry in her tone.
"That's the tricky part. Hiead is still very valuable to those in charge. He was tied with Zero all through GOA and- that's no easy feat."
"Erts," Tune said, turning to look at him. "You can't mean they'd consider making him…a Pilot?!"
Before he could reply, Wrecka appeared. "What are you two doing in here? Haven't you heard?"
"Heard what?" Erts asked.
"Leena's called a meeting. It sounds really important, but no one knows the particulars."
"Do you…think it's about Tellia Kallisto's Pilot?" Tune asked.
"It almost has to be," Erts replied. "Let's not keep them waiting."
* * * * *
Clay sighed heavily as he looked over Ihkny's latest report. He could practically feel the emotion oozing from every word.
This would not do.
With a shake of his head, he tossed the report in the trash and bit his lip. Perhaps he had overestimated Ihkny's ability to detach herself from the situation. If she continued to write this way, he would have no choice but to ask her to leave. That was something he did not want to do, for her sake and his own.
He almost didn't hear the knock a moment later. "Come in," he said distractedly. When there was no response after several seconds, he turned his chair around…and nearly fell out of it.
"I'm guessing you didn't expect me?" Saki asked quietly.
Clay all but leaped out of his chair, stopping a few feet from her. "What…HOW did you…?"
"Hiead, believe it or not."
"What…?!"
"Don't worry, I just hitched a ride, so to speak." She glanced around the dim room. "So this is where you work…?"
"Occasionally. Obviously, I wasn't expecting you, or…"
"Or what?"
"I might have been able to find a more…suitable place." Clay paused and took her hands in his own. "It's…good to see you again, Saki."
"Ditto. Though I can't believe you haven't found my visit 'very interesting' yet."
"I was thinking it," he confirmed with a smile. "But then I've always thought that about you." Clay was almost certain that she blushed, and was positive that she at least looked away for a second.
"So. Is there a tour?"
"Not really. We're not exactly open to the public around here…unless…"
"Yes?"
"Are you busy? Career-wise?"
"Well…I was volunteering in the medical wing on GOA…"
"There's always a need for additional nurses. With your skills, I'm sure I could find a place for you…that is, if you'd be interested in staying for a while?"
"Hmm," Saki murmured, stepping closer to him. "I'd have to say, Mr. Fortran, that I find that offer…" She reached up to adjust his glasses with a smirk. "…very interesting."
* * * * *
The look on Leena's face said right away that this would not be a pleasant meeting. All the same, it was a mandatory one, so at least no one was going to escape it.
Leena began with a moment of silence for Yu, in which she tried to remember him and decide how best to break the really bad news to the others at the same time.
"In light of our…recent loss, there will be a new Pi—excuse me…addition to our team. I'm certain most of you already know him, so I won't even bother with an introduction."
And truly there was no need. The only persons present with an excuse for not knowing Hiead were Gareas and possibly Kazuhi, and they both knew quite enough for their tastes.
Hiead was not at all affected by his lack of introduction, nor of the many dirty looks he got as he walked in. He merely stopped remotely near Leena and leaned against the wall. The black bodysuit he wore did nothing to help his image, which he had foreseen. It did, however, add to his intimidation factor, which was, of course, what he had been going for all along.
"I realize nearly all of you are not exactly in agreement with this decision," Leena went on. "I myself have some doubts as to the wisdom of it. But rest assured that Hiead's place within this team has not come without certain restrictions."
"They forgot the muzzle," Gareas muttered.
Leena glared at him, but her heart wasn't in it. "If there is any act of violence against another Pilot or Repairer, no matter how indirect the connection to him may seem, Hiead will be terminated without question. Any Pilot or Repairer who purposely provokes Hiead will be terminated."
"This is NUTS!" Gareas shouted. "He tried to kill Kizna! Nobody's going to team up with that maniac! I absolutely REFUSE to let this…this…MONSTER replace Yu Hikura! It's a stain on his memory and everything he stood for!"
Leena sighed inwardly. "Kazuhi has already agreed to stay on as Hiead's Repairer. She has known of his impending arrival here for some time now."
Everyone (except Hiead) turned to look at Kazuhi, who did not seem at all concerned with the attention.
"Kazuhi," Gareas said firmly, stomping over to her. "You can NOT be serious about this!"
"Do you ever recall a time when I was not serious about my duties, Gareas-san?" she replied coolly.
"Leave her alone, Garu," Zero said before anyone else could argue. "Just be glad we've even got someone willing to work with him. Arguing about it won't help. Hiead's one of us now, whether we like it or not. They kept him here for a reason, so keep that in mind before you lose yourself a damn great Pilot." With that, he turned and left the room, followed at a distance by Kizna.
* * * * *
"Congratulations, Candidate 86: Yamagi Kushida. You have proven yourself worthy. You are now Top among First Troop."
Even seeing the words in print left Yamagi feeling…somewhat lost. There was a part of him that wanted to be excited, but there didn't seem to be a point. What WAS the point when Clay, Zero, Roose, and now Hiead had moved on without him? He was the last of the late eighties on GOA, and he couldn't shake the feeling that that meant something…something bad.
Lately, he had begun to doubt himself more than ever, despite the promotion. He knew he could take most Candidates in a fair fight, but awaited the day when some up and coming hotshot would shoot him silly.
He had humiliated himself only once by mentioning to Azuma, in an offhand manner, that he might benefit from advanced training.
Azuma had barked in short laughter and replied, "You're short enough as it is, 86."
Had Tsukasa not been there to restrain him, Yamagi might've lost himself a few ranks.
But it was more than the lack of confidence and the short jokes. Yamagi truly felt like he wasn't meant to reach Pilot anymore. No amount of coaching or encouragement would change his mind, either.
What Yamagi needed was, to be blunt, a miracle.
Whether the universe was in a giving mood or not, he got one exactly three days after his promotion.
Tsukasa, who seemed to be very excited about something, shook him awake. That was not a good thing in Yamagi's mind, since he habitually slept only in boxers. He had no idea if his Repairer was the type of girl that was easily tempted, and had absolutely NO desire to find out.
She all but dragged him out of bed and threw his clothes at him. Yamagi was forced to dress with her standing right there, and refused to believe she took no pleasure from watching.
Minutes later, she had dragged him all the way to his Pro-Ing, where she began to point excitedly to something.
Yamagi decided to humor her (after all, he had thus far) and looked. It took him a few seconds to realize just what he was looking at, and even then, part of him would never believe this had actually happened outside of a dream.
Because his eyes were insisting that THE legendary Teela was sitting on HIS Pro-Ing's shoulder.
"Yamagi Kushida," she said as she hopped down, in a voice like fluttering butterfly wings, "I wish to speak with you."
Fortunately, Tsukasa shut Yamagi's mouth for him before Teela got too close to notice.
* * * * *
Erts had intended to have a serious talk with Kazuhi ever since he'd learned of her new…Pilot.
First, though, he had spent a few hours with Emily, trying to collect his thoughts and emotions. There was simply no better place to meditate than in his Ingrid. He wondered if that was because of his EX, Reneighd Klein's EX-specific design, or because he thought of Emily as almost family now.
He did not think it coincidence when he emerged from the cockpit to find Kazuhi at her own console.
Given his last success with her, Erts hoped this confrontation would not be so close-minded. He knew Kazuhi to be very stubborn when she believed she was correct in doing something. Erts did not intend to tell her NOT to work with Hiead, exactly. He merely wanted to persuade her to think this through very carefully. If anything were to happen her, after his promise to Yu—no, to himself—there would be no stopping the murder that occurred next, and Hiead would find himself as the victim that time around.
Kazuhi did not appear at all uncomfortable when he approached, nor did she look overly inviting. The best word that Erts could think of to describe her was occupied. Still, he was determined to speak with her.
Erts stopped a safe distance away, then rethought that and moved until he was directly beside her.
"How are you feeling, Kazuhi-san?"
"The same as ever, I suppose," she replied, not looking up from her work.
"Should I come back later?" Erts asked, misinterpreting her answer.
"Only if you find something wrong with speaking to me now," Kazuhi said.
"I didn't want to distract you. You seem…very busy."
"I am. I have never had a new Pilot before, and it seems there are…many changes that must be made. Very precise adjustments regarding Pilot performance. I have yet to see Hiead-san in battle, and am not accustomed to his…style of fighting."
"Do you believe he is a good Pilot?"
She paused. "I believe he will do what must be done, in the end."
Erts considered that for a few minutes. "May I ask you a personal question, Kazuhi-san?"
"Yes, of course."
"Does your accepting Hiead…have anything to do with Yu?"
Kazuhi stopped what she was doing, but did not quite look upset. Her expression was more ponderous than anything else. "Perhaps. While no one could ever take his place in my heart, I knew Omega Kallisto should not be without a Pilot for very long. We each had a different way of mourning our loss, and hers is to avenge."
"She…speaks to you?" Erts asked in obvious surprise.
"We understand each other."
"Have you been inside her?"
"When I retrieved my brother's body, that was the first time. Later, I went back to clean up. Those were the only times. But she did not call me during either."
"Then…do you know if she is happy? With Hiead?"
"She has never felt what you or I would call happiness. It is not in her nature to do so. If she were displeased with Hiead, I am certain one of us would know by now."
"Are you displeased with him?"
Kazuhi looked at him for the first time. "My feelings toward him are hardly a concern, Erts-san."
"They are to me," Erts insisted.
"I expected nothing less from you. Rei-sama will more than likely come to say the same."
"But you DO understand that Hiead is dangerous, don't you?"
"All Pilots are," Kazuhi replied. "That is why they are chosen: to be warriors."
"He's not like the others, Kazuhi. Doesn't it bother you that he tried to kill Kizna?"
"I realize I can say nothing to reassure you of my safety. But trust me when I say this is something that I must do. I do not expect you to understand, but I ask you to respect my choice."
"All I'm asking is that you think about what you're doing. To be honest…I'm very concerned about you. Forgive me if I go too far in saying this, but…I feel responsible for your well-being."
"I have no doubt you will be accessible should I ever need you," she said quietly.
"Are you sure you don't now?" Erts placed a hand on her shoulder. "If there's anything I can do…"
"You can do as I have just asked. Please do not question me any further, Erts-san."
"I apologize, Kazuhi-san." He lowered his voice a bit. "I will try my best to respect your wishes. But you must realize that when you place yourself in obvious danger this way…it is exceedingly difficult for me to just stand by. I have…certain feelings for you, and I will not allow serious harm to come to you if it is in my power to prevent it."
Erts was not sure, but he could've sworn there was something of a smile on Kazuhi's face, if only for a second.
"You know," she murmured, "you are not my brother, Erts-san."
"I know. But that doesn't mean I won't watch over you as he did." Erts took a deep breath and wrapped his arms around her waist. "I won't lose anyone else dear to me to this war. Never again."
"Hiead-san is here to end the war as much as you or Rei-sama is. I will make sure he has plenty of other outlets for his frustration." Kazuhi gently squeezed his arm. "I must get back to work now."
"He's still clingy," Hiead remarked when Erts was gone. "I don't like that."
"Erts is rarely so physical, I assure you," Kazuhi remarked dryly. "It was…a welcome change."
Hiead grunted as he stepped out of Omega Kallisto's cockpit. "I won't have you distracted. Let him cling to his own Repairer."
"I think you will find that Erts is harmless, assuming you have no plans to harm anyone here."
"Make no assumptions about my plans."
"Is everything within the Ingrid to your liking?" Kazuhi asked.
"Battle will be the true test," he answered shortly.
* * * * *
"Zero? Can I ask you something?"
"Let me guess," Zero said slowly. "You want to know why I, of all people, stuck up for Hiead."
Kizna frowned. "No, I was wondering why you stuck up for Hiead, who tried to kill me earlier this week?"
"I want to tell you he was mainly after the Victim, not you."
"But you can't?"
"All I can say is that he wouldn't have minded having to kill you to get to it."
"And this is supposed to make me feel better how, Zero?"
"It's not." Zero sighed. "Look, Kizna. Hiead will make an incredible Pilot and we both know it. If that means we have to put up with…him…then we just have to deal."
Kizna rubbed her arms, looking uneasy. "I'll never be comfortable around him. I mean, I never was, but now…"
Zero cupped her face in his hands. "He's never gonna touch you again. I promise I'll keep you safe."
"Zero, you-"
"I said I promise I'll protect you."
"But-"
"Kizna. I mean it. I won't let anyone hurt you. Especially not Hiead."
"…you're serious, aren't you?" she asked in a small voice.
"It's what good boyfriends do," he replied with a grin. "So I hear."
"But…you're not REALLY my boyfriend," Kizna pointed out.
"Well, maybe I'll apply for the job one day…if you're still hot in a few years."
Kizna chose to ignore the insult. "You think I'm hot?"
"Why else would I want to pretend to be your boyfriend?"
"Is that supposed to be a compliment?"
"I haven't decided," he answered truthfully. "Did it sound like one?"
"I haven't decided, either. I guess it made me feel better…a little."
"But I meant what I said," Zero stated. "I will protect you."
"Yeah, I got that," Kizna murmured with a smile. "You're a good fake boyfriend."
"You mean pretend boyfriend. I am not a fake."
"You just keep telling yourself that…"