Disclaimer: Nope. I still do not own Megami Kohousei.
Warnings: Un-betaed and posted anyway! (My beta reader has been slow with editing lately. My apologies.) Reference to chapter 8.
Notes: Thanks to all who reviewed. Hope you enjoy this short, but meaningful chapter.
Chapter 9 - Strength
In the darkness, Ernest could hear the flutter of wings, but he could not see the bird. In the dark chaos that resided in his own heart, candidate 39 was lost.
Ernest picked at his cafeteria food. After Gareas had left him in the observation deck, the two friends had not exchanged more words than necessary. He did not want to bother Gareas now, so he sat back in the farthest corner of the room, despite Rioroute's protests.
"Come on Ernest. We still have to decide whether or not chocolate is healthy. I mean, it is a - " Rio paused to make a choking sound, " – bean, but with sugar, it could be…"
"I'm sorry Rio, but I have a headache today. Please excuse me."
But Rio was already lost in his imagination, a world of chocolate ice cream, chocolate cake, chocolate candy bars, strawberries dipped in chocolate…oh yeah, and white chocolate. How could something so good come in two different colors?
Ernest smiled at Rio's spaced out expression. Contrary to popular belief, Rio was not an airhead. He could be serious, calm, and sometimes witty. It was just too unfortunate that it was lunchtime, and Rio's hunger was at full force. Hence, Rioroute's stomach was momentarily overriding his brain. It didn't help that GOA's cuisine also tasted disgusting, making the appetite desperate enough to hallucinate decent food.
Ernest had no doubt Rio would be a Goddess pilot one day.
As Ernest left their customary table, he couldn't help glance at Gareas. The emerald-eyed boy ignored him, engrossed in his food.
Ernest took a stab at the beef-like patty. As he gingerly took his first bite, he watched Tune from the corner of his eye. Tune was in conversation with Leena. The two had met as acquaintances during the time when their partners were a dueling pair. Both girls were now good friends. Ernest swallowed. After that day, Tune had reverted into an even shier version of herself, and turned back into the quiet mouse he had first met so long ago. She seemed embarrassed to have been so bold to as to have hugged her partner. Ernest wondered why.
"Is comfort so hard to give?"
A boy took the seat opposite of him. Ernest blinked, his thoughts broken. The youth looked very young, with a page hair cut. He was slender and pale, the black hair contrasting sharply with his skin. Ernest thought the boy looked very fragile. It was obvious that the boy was a new candidate at GOA; the black uniform had no white arcs above the GOA insignia – he had not been assigned to a troop yet. He obviously did not know that 39 was a telepath either.
"Um…you know… I am…a…" Ernest began. It was always difficult to discuss his EX with strangers. The youth looked up. His eyes were a serious gray. Ernest was so surprised at their directness that he knocked his fork over to the floor.
"I'm sorry," Ernest had no idea why he was apologizing but he did it anyway. The gray-eyed boy bent down in politeness to help him retrieve the utensil. Their arms brushed. Ernest's breath caught as his eyes began to un-focus.
Ernest blinked.
The room wasn't very large. But it was sparse. The walls were white, but they weren't metallic. A few paper scrolls were hung up for decoration. The brush calligraphy was beautiful. Ernest looked down at his feet, and realized they were bare.
The polished wood shone like silver. It was hard against his feet.
Ernest loved it.
The feeling of something natural, and yet so strong delighted him.
He turned and found a small plant by one of the rice-paper doors. It was a small tree, carefully trimmed. Despite it's miniature stature, Ernest could feel it had been well taken care off. The leaves did not snap in his fingers like the blades of grass in the relaxation room did sometimes.
Bonsai.
A word that Ernest was sure he did not know sprang in his mind. He released the plant and took another look at the room around him.
This place was beautiful, orderly, and conveyed the immovable silence that spoke of traditions so old, it was now sacrilege to explain them. Why should they be explained? Their knowledge flowed forever…
Dojo.
So did their strength.
Ernest blinked again, and suddenly he was transported back into the metallic din of the lunchroom. The youth stared at him for a moment, then pointed the fallen fork, handle first, towards 39. Ernest took it.
"Thank you."
They both sat back down and ate in silence. Finally, Ernest looked back up. He didn't usually pry into other people's business, but he had to ask.
"What is your name?"
"Yu Hikura."
"Yu Hikura, I am sorry to have misjudged you."
The boy nodded. The fine chin bobbed before the long neck – it reminded Ernest of a dainty movement that could have been made by a swan. Ernest was no longer fooled by it. Although the youth wasn't a telepath - Ernest would have felt an electric connection if he was, Yu somehow understood him. Even if he never saw the young candidate again, Ernest would never forget the steel in the boy's gray eyes. It was the first time he had ever read a person wrong.
The boy, Yu, bowed, taking his tray as he made his way out of the cafeteria.
Ernest closed his eyes.
When he opened them again, he saw green eyes appraising him from two tables away. Gareas turned away – but he wasn't quick enough to mask the vulnerability in his gaze.
"You don't need me Gareas. You're strong enough on your own. Leave me alone."
Maybe…39 had read someone else wrong too.
TBC…
Bonus: Omake!
Chapter 4 – Human Warmth, the rewrite!
Whitesakura: Action!
Gareas: So, what's your favorite kind of cake, Ernest?
Ernest: Super duper chunky chocolate, with chocolate sprinkles, and fudge swirls topped with chocolate covered strawberries and chocolate cookie dough chunks! (flashes Garu a huge genki smile)
Gareas: (falls over and twitches on the floor)
Whitesakura: (groans) Cut! Alright, who gave Ernest the instant fluff mix instead of his normal cup of good old bitter angst?!
Ernest: I feel fine director-san!
Gareas: I'll take him to the infirmary. (drags Ernest away)
In closing, please remember to review! Tell me if this chapter confused anyone. Once again, I thank ALL readers and reviewers.