Rumors spread quickly in the DWMA it seemed. At least that's how it seemed to Felix on that particular day. It had been less than twenty four hours after the failed mission when reported sightings of a heavily bandaged Lance had engulfed the school. Since none of those who knew the truth felt like talking about it, people made their own ideas.
The reason for the bandages varied. Some said it was a simple assignment gone bad against a witch or a kishen. Others had more imaginative ideas. One person said he had challenged Black*Star to a rematch and didn't get off scott free a second time. Another claimed having witnessed Lance go toe to toe with a triad of flying witches all launching fireballs at him. The most popular story by far though was the rumor that he had been attacked by a mysterious beast prowling the city streets at night and that other victims would follow suit.
"Man, he is going to be so peeved when he wakes up."Kyla said as she stirred a spoon through her coffee. They were seated at a corner table at DeathBucks, which had quickly become their usual seat.
"And why is that? If I may ask," Felix asked, sipping at his own bitter beverage. He didn't feel like sweet things would be appropriate right then."You don't think he'll be more relieved just to be back up and among the living once more?"
"Well, he'll no doubt feel some small satisfaction at not being dead."She explained, toying with a black curl."But he'll be immensely more annoyed by the amount of interest directed at him. And he works so hard to avoid interest too, such a shame."
"Well I wouldn't want to be the guy that was attacked by the "Death City Slasher" either."Felix smirked. You had to give the students credit. It was a catchy name.
"You've heard that one too? My favorite one is the one where he got the bandages after a night of drunken revelry and an orgy with multiple witches."Kyla added casually." because apparently they like to scratch."
"Uh, I hadn't heard that one…"He blushed, his face and ears turning a bright crimson.
"Oh really? It's become quite popular with the ladies."She grinned wickedly."A few of the guys too,"
"Heh, maybe I should get bandaged up next."Felix mused."Unlike Lance I have no problem with a little extra attention, especially from that audience."
"Which one? I mentioned ladies and guys."Kyla teased with another wicked smile.
"You really have too much fun at my expense you know."Felix pouted.
"Oh I wouldn't say that, I could always have more fun with you."She said, leaning forward."Now answer the question."
Putting his coffee down, he sat up straighter."Does it even need to be asked?"
"Well those are some pretty tight jeans…"She noted.
"And why are you staring at that area?"He said in return.
"I 'm a details girl what can I say?"She explained."I like to take things in fully with my eyes, and then maybe my hands, depends on the thing really."
"So you think you've absorbed enough of me with your eyes yet?"He asked.
"I think I could always absorb more."She said. Her eyes closing as she made to bridge the distance between them. He closed his own eyes as he prepared for the first of what he hoped to get much more of.
"Hey guys have you heard!"Tom shouted as he ran towards them, knocking Felix out of his seat by sheer shock."Black*Star's been challenging anyone he hears spreading the rumor that he sent Lance to the infirmary to a fight."He spouted."He's knocked out twelve so far."
"Wow Tom, that's so totally interesting."Kyla stated in monotone.
"I know right? We should go down and enjoy the show."Tom nodded."Oh hey Felix, whataya doing down there?"
"Just trying to get comfortable," Felix fibbed, not wanting to inform Kyla's twin that he just interrupted their first kiss."Wanna lend me a hand?"
"Sure thing," Tom said, pulling Felix back to his feet."Well I'm going on ahead before all the best seats are taken up. I just wanted to let you guys know."
"Bye bye Tom."Kyla waved as her brother ran out just as quickly as he had entered, eyes following him all the way out.
"Well that was disruptive."Felix said as he returned to his seat, waving a hand through is yellow hair."Now where were we?"He asked as he leaned forward again.
"Yeah, no," Kyla sighed."We'll have to reschedule that for another time I'm afraid. Seeing as my brother ruined the buildup we'll have to do it all over again."
"Oh."Felix pouted."But it will happen right?"
A warm smile spread across her lips."Of course," She promised."I'm not the kind of girl to leave a boy guessing." quickly, she leaned over, kissed him on the cheek and skipped out of the room, giggling all the while.
Well, what should I think of that I wonder?
Blissfully, he placed his hand on his cheek. The warmth made him wish for what he had almost gotten. He wasn't sure where it had come from. But he was greatly looking forward to what was to come next. His very first romance, it was quite the thought, with a fun, charming, energetic girl to boot. Not too bad Felix, not too bad.
He'd have to thank Lance when he got back on his feet. After all he was the topic that led to their almost-kiss.
Or he could wait until he got the actual kiss, whatever came first.
For the 6xth time in a row Kidd watched the mirror footage. It had all started so well too. They faced the main bulk of the zombie kishen horde with nary a scratch. Between Lance and Josilyn they managed to operate as a unit. They even held back the golem, and Lance had faired quite well with the strange boy with the eyepatch. It wasn't until that damned samurai that things went wrong. The bandage clad warrior was far superior then any swordsman Kidd had ever seen.
Usually the choice of two identical swords would have been enough to earn Kidd's admiration, but he only felt bitter contempt for the man who had barely just failed to kill his best friend. The scene where the wound was inflicted was the most difficult to watch, yet also the most attention drawing. After a certain point after watching it from every angle he became numb to it. The blood became nothing more than another thing to note in his mind, Veronica's wails of agony and defiance a troublesome background noise. Only the moment where the witch inspected Lance and started crying before escaping from the mirror's range left him confused.
While he was finishing the golem and flying Lance to the infirmary the witch and her servant with the eyepatch made their escape. The witch summoned a small portal as soon as her servant had recovered. The samurai had taken chase to the resurrected outlaw and neither had been seen since. So the mission that nearly killed Lance failed to bring back anything of worth besides a few dozen kishen eggs that were split amongst the weapons.
"Kidd? Are you watching that video again?"Liz asked, as she entered his room.
"Just absorbing the details," he replied, starting the mirror footage over on his desk mounted mirror, "It's how we avoid incidents like this happening twice."
"Use whatever reasons you want. It's still not healthy."She commented, her hands on her hips. "You should visit Lance. You're the only one who hasn't seen him yet."
"I've been preoccupied."He stated, turning his attention back to the mirror.
"All you've been doing is torturing yourself for something that isn't your fault."She chastised before sighing."Everybody's worried about you. Black*Star's been getting in even more fights than usual, Maka's thrown herself into her studies, Crona's confined herself to her room, even Patti's been down."
"And what do you want me to do about it?"
"Nothing, I want you to deal with this yourself because you clearly aren't handling it well."
"Really? And how do you figure?"He asked.
"Kidd, look at your reflection for a second."She instructed.
Puzzled, he stopped the footage and the mirror returned to normal. What he saw was not expected. His clothes were horribly wrinkled and he had bags forming under his eyes. His hair was sticking in every direction with no structure in the slightest. The sight was so sickening he probably would have vomited had he not been so transfixed that he had actually let it befall he's usually well kept appearance."I guess I see your point."He complied, sighing himself."I'll go for a walk just as soon as I get a change of clothes."
"Good."Liz nodded, giving him a hopeful smile.
He didn't feel the need to return the sentiment.
Exiting his desk, he made his way to his perfectly symmetrical bathroom and thought about what Liz had told him. Black*Star getting into fights was no surprise. The number of brawls must have truly been high to warrant alarm from his friends. He'd take care of that first he decided, ignoring Liz's request to handle this for himself. He'd just handle it for other people before getting to that.
Maka's increase in studying wasn't really shocking either. She'd done it before during similar ordeals. He supposed he could simply try talking to her, though Soul seemed more than capable of helping her, and he didn't doubt that Liz had gone directly to her sister after talking to him.
And after them there was Crona. Crona, Crona, Crona. Why had she gone back to secluding herself after all the progress she had made? Did the incident in Deathwood affect her that much? He'd have to talk to her in private after visiting Lance. Perhaps he could offer some comfort to her. She most likely didn't know how to deal with almost losing a friend like that. God knows he hadn't been handling it well until now.
Talking to her would be more difficult than Black*Star or Maka. He usually felt at ease around her but as of late he'd been feeling increasingly nervous in her presence. Like he had to choose his words carefully or he might say something stupid. And yet things slipped out and he felt uncharacteristically shy and naïve. And she would just smile softly and blush in that adorable way of hers.
Perhaps he'd bring her something to lift her spirits. A gift of some sort, like chocolate or perfume, something a girl would like.
When his shower was done and he had changed into a fresh set of clothes, he set out. It was far past noon at this point. As soon as he opened the door he felt exactly what he'd been missing inside his room all day. The warmth from the ever jolly sun soothed him back into a state of calmness. It was good to be outside if only for the sunshine. But there was also the impeccable blue sky, the pleasantly cool breeze, and the sweet sight of symmetry around him. All these added together gave him more confidence in his goals for the day.
He had originally planned to go straight to the school to find Black*Star. Even though it was the weekend a fair amount of students still congregated there and it'd be the surest bet to find him if he really was challenging kids to fights. But now he figured it best if he went to the store first to buy Crona his gift.
He opted for the chocolate since buying a girl perfume seemed like telling her she smelled to him. A red heart shaped box of chocolates seemed sufficient. He liked hearts, all romantic implications aside, they were perfectly symmetrical, this one especially so.
With his heart and his destination in mind, he carried on his way. Before he even entered the courtyard he could hear the products of Black*Star's temper. Loud yells of pain and determination were audible from blocks away. This may have been his largest gathering of opponents yet. It was a pity it'd all have to come undone so soon. But Kid was already dead set to end it now. First though, he had to sneak past the assorted crowd to hide the box of chocolates in his locker, it wouldn't do to be have people question him about it while he was trying to consol Black*Star with his fists.
Empty halls were always appreciated. That way he could walk down the middle of them and keep everything in balance. Not like when there were other occupants and things got cluttered and chaotic. Structured and orderly was his saunter down to his locker and back again to the courtyard. The courtyard itself was of course the exact opposite. Black*Star had clearly been at it for a while now. Unconscious heaps of students littered the area with no semblance of anything orderly. It was more than enough to fuel his next few courses of action.
The usual suspects for Black*Star's beating were already down and out; such as Ox, Harver, and Hiro. Though many were still fighting or waiting in a surprisingly patient line of would be combatants. Currently the ninja was already juggling three foes, nobody of any particular notoriety in the school however. Only the girl with the blade mounted wristband seemed to be giving him a proper challenge. She was using the blunt side so there was no harm to it either.
"Come on guys! We can do better than this."She growled, as she blocked a kick."Let's get that whip a whipping, and you. Swing that mace!"
Her ferocity was nearly on par with Black*Star's. Sadly the same couldn't be said of her companions, who were quickly kicked into each other by the gloating assassin."Sorry Kyla seems your team is failing to perform."He laughed."I can see why when the only one who can hold her own is a chick."
"I'll make you eat those words."Kyla hissed, lashing out with her weapon, barely missing with each swing. The young meister's energy would have been impressive if he wasn't there to put a stop to it all. Taking a deep breath, he dived in. his hands stopping both a swipe from Kyla and a kick from Black*Star. The two quickly reeled back. Kyla's gaze shifting from rage to curiosity while Black*Star just looked annoyed.
"Well would you look at this."Kid said, golden eyes scanning the vicinity."I was recently informed someone was dirtying up my father's school. I was startled to believe such an outrageous claim. I didn't want to believe it. But yet here I am seeing it with my own two eyes."
With his hand now in his pockets and his posture firm, he paced."Now I must ask. Who here was the one to start this? I can clearly see Black*Star contributed the most. But who set him off."
No answer but stares and glares. That was surprising. He'd just have to play the reaper card a little harder then."And you. Kyla your name is? What brings you to this little brawl?"
"We came for the show."She answered honestly."And well… watching from the sides can get so boring for a girl after a while you know?"
"I see. And who told you of this show?"
"My brother," she said, indicating the blade on her wrist."Say hi to the nice reaper Tom."
"Hi nice reaper."The jovial voice sang from his sister's wrist.
"Yes hello."Kid greeted."Tell me Black*Star what started this. You've been oddly quiet during this whole spectacle."
For his part, the ninja seemed rather nonchalant about the interruption."I heard something I didn't like."The ninja explained."So I shut the mouth that spoke the words that's all. Not my fault his friends didn't appreciate it. Things kind of spiraled out of control from there."
"And what exactly did you hear that you didn't like?"Kid asked. Hmm, maybe I won't need to resort to violence after all.
"Well somebody came up with the idea that I sent Lance to the infirmary."Black*Star answered."I dislike getting credit for beatings I didn't give. So I gave the guy who started the rumor one. He's at the bottom of that pile over there."
Well that explains it."I suppose I can tolerate such misbehavior then. Just put a stop to it now that you've had your fun."He advised.
"Whatever," He shrugged."I was getting bored with this gig anyways."
"The rest of you clear out too."Kid ordered."Unless I feel like having some fun as well,"
If there was one thing Kid loved most about being a reaper it was that when you gave orders people listened. No questions asked. Within minutes the courtyard was empty. Even those unconscious were carried out by friends."Party pooper," he heard Kyla mutter as she left with the others.
With that task off his to do list, he headed to the library. Maka would most likely be there if she truly was engrossing herself into her studies. His suspicion was proven correct however she was not alone. And her studies didn't appear to be the thing she was most engrossed in.
The normally silent and abandoned library was invaded by the sound of gentle moaning. Soul and Maka's passionate display of affection was equal parts sloppy and surprising. In retrospect, Kid didn't know why it came as such a shock. The two had clearly been attracted to each other for some time now, and the fact that they lived together made it all the more expected. But still Kid still had to muffle a gasp as he saw the two engaged in the age old art of making out, which they seemed to have practiced a lot at.
Not one to watch, Kid silently made his exit from the library to leave the lovers where they sat.
Well… that was unexpected. It was all he could think. I suppose that's one less person to attend to.
Pushing this new development from his head for the time being, he moved on. Lance was next, bloody and unconscious Lance in the infirmary wing. Kid suspected the journey might just be harder than the actual task this time. It wasn't his first time down there or anything. He had probably walked down that hallway for everyone of his friends at one point or another. But this was different. He didn't picture Lance as he was today, but the boy he had been, gentle and timid.
Entering the room he saw that Lance again. Sprawled on the bed, he looked like a child again. His hair a mess, a dark scab on his forehead, and of course the bandages on the back on which he lay. A vase of flowers stood beside his sick bed, along with cards from Maka, Trish, Tsubaki and numerous others, even Black*Star and Reiji. All saying the expected "Get well soon". Seating in the chair next to the bed was Veronica, fast asleep yet still clutching his hand like he might disappear in an instant. From the looks of it she hadn't left his side since he got there.
Admirable, he noted. Not willing to leave her meister's side in his moment of need, truly admirable. Mark probably would have been there too if Kid's father had not insisted on keeping the boy far from the infirmary wing, distracting him by any means in an effort to retain the youth's childhood, a noble yet ultimately futile goal. Mark had already seen his bloody and battered meister when Kid flew him to the school. The damage was done, the effects, irreversible.
"A delightful display of companionship," Stein said from his chair, suddenly sitting behind Kid."If not a sickening one," Kid was past the point of being surprised by his surprise appearances.
"How's it healing?"He asked. Between Nygus and Stein the odds were in Lance's favor but still one must never be too confident or certain.
"The wounds been sealed. I did the stitching myself."The doctor answered."He'll be slower than usual for the first few weeks. But some exercise will sort that out easily enough. For most people around this age a wound like this is a bigger blow to their confidence than anything else."
"So he'll be okay."
"In due time, if he works hard enough and has some support from his friends,"
"Looks like he won't have to worry about the support," Kid noted, looking at Veronica.
"Indeed. The loyalty of a weapon to her meister is a fearsome thing."Stein agreed, giving Kid an unreadable stare."The only thing more fearsome is the rage of one who no longer has a meister to protect."
Golden eyes narrowing, he retained his composure."And how would you know that?"He asked, giving nothing away.
"Oh just experience, personal and otherwise," The doctor shrugged, a small grin tugging at his mouth.
"Hmm, you'll have to tell me about it one day."Kid remarked, his glare not lessoning."As it stands however, I have other things to attend to."
"I'm sure you do."Stein nodded."Being the son of death must leave you little time for recreation."
"I manage."He muttered as he shut the door behind him. What does he know? Stein was one of the few four star meister's currently operating for the DWMA. There was probably no limit to what he could find out if he decided to look up a file on the Rodriguez family…
But those concerns would have to wait. He still had one more person to see and a gift to retrieve from his locker.
Chains of failure hold me to the ground. She wrote from her corner of supposed safety. I want to be brave but there's no courage to be found.
Too weak to defend myself, I only endanger other's health.
So I fail at every chance. And let them kill Lance. With a sigh, she put the paper down and added it to the stack. Maka had said poetry would help once. It didn't work then either. All twenty some papers seemed to make a point of reminding her of her own worthlessness and inability to do anything right.
She hadn't left her corner since she first got back to her room. No one seemed to notice she was gone. That was for the best. She'd hate to make them worry about her too after all of this. There were people more worthy of concern than her at the present. She hoped Lance liked the flower's she got him and they made him feel better. Assuming he got better.
Ragnorak was lost in a deep sleep so she was alone. Unfortunately for her sleep didn't come quiet as easily. And at this point even his company would have been appreciated. Sighing again, she pulled Mister Cuddlesworth closer and pressed him to her cheek. The stuffed bunny had been a gift from Maka and one of Crona's most prized possessions.
"At least I have you."She whimpered."There's no way I could ever let you down, right?" The bunny didn't respond. She'd take that as a yes. An inanimate stuffed animal had faith in her, how great. At least he was cute and soft. Not to mention a great bed companion. She had grown accustomed to having the fluffy rabbit in her arms whenever sleep beckoned. It was nice to fill up some of the empty space on the bed she found too large for her tastes. She was used to a small corner with barely enough room for herself. In comparison the twin bed was downright huge. Empty and desolate.
Empty and desolate, words that appeared far too often in her poetry for her taste, among other unfavorable things. But she wasn't trying to think of those things at the moment. Right now all she wanted was to snuggle with Mister Cuddlesworth and forget about it all. To get lost in his unreciprocated hug was all she needed. Yet even as she squeezed him as hard as could she could still fell the tears forcing their way through her clenched eyelids. She guessed she wasn't as good at lying to herself as she thought.
After hours of continuously starving and insulting herself via poetry she had cracked. And the tears came out like a broken faucet, wet and sticky, not to mention pathetic, more pathetic than anything else. And Mister Cuddlesworth didn't do anything but sit there and watch.
"Stupid bunny," She wailed, chucking the fluffy creature against the wall before regaining control of herself.
"I'm sorry."She sobbed, begging for forgiveness."I'm so, so sorry."He was supposed to be the one person she couldn't let down and somehow she even managed that."You don't hate me?"His glazy lifeless stare of plastic bored into her as his usual way of saying yes or no. she took it as a no this time."Oh thank you so much. I'll never hurt you again."
This time the embrace did help. The tears were still coming but she felt better nonetheless. Maybe letting out some of her grief had helped if only slightly. With her bunny in hand she again sought refuge in her corner, clutching him like a mother holds a child, or is supposed to hold her child.
"We're okay. You'll see."
And just like that a little bit of peace reentered her life. She'd never let her dear bunny come to harm again. She'd never have to worry about finding him beaten and bloody, she'd never have to see golden eyes full of disappointment directed at her and her negligence.
A quick succession of knocks interrupted her thought process as she cradled Cuddlesworth. Throwing a panicked hand over mouth, she muffled a gasp. Who could that be? Who'd want to visit me? Not seeing any other solution. She got up and prepared to open the door, mister Cuddleswoth held by the ears in her unused hand.
She was still only awake from her recent insomnia, and bags were developing under her eyes. Her black dress was ragged and wrinkly, her hair was a mess and she had a stuffed bunny in one hand. And still there he was smiling with his golden eyes staring straight at her. His suit neatly pressed, his hair combed to perfection, his reaper face as unblemished as ever, his appearance all around symmetrical save the lines in his hair. He was so perfect in comparison to herself she was afraid she might start crying again.
"Hello Crona."Death the Kid greeted warmly."Just came to see how you were doing, mind if I come inside?"
"Not at all," she managed to say with nary a stutter or stammer. His eyes showed nothing, but she was sure there was disgust behind his smile, disgust at her horrendous untidy and unsymmetrical looks. And disgust at failing to prevent his best friend from ending up in a hospital bed. All of it was deserved.
"That's uh a very interesting rabbit you have there."Kid said with only a slight raise of an eyebrow.
Idiot, "Oh that's j-just M-mister Cuddlesworth," She bumbled, trying to hide the stupid bunny. Why had she brought it to the door with her?"He's just a gift from Maka. It's stupid really,"
"Nice name."Kid noted."I don't know. He seems kind of cute to me. And such perfect symmetry,"
"Heh, I guess he is."She conceded."I don't think I've ever noticed it before."So even her bunny had bested her in Kid's favor, just as well, Mister Cuddlesworth probably had more to offer anyway.
"Speaking of symmetry, I got you something."He presented, pulling a bright red heart from behind his back."Here, open it up."
It was one of those oddly shaped hearts she was slowly growing accustomed to seeing, the ones that looked nothing like the real thing. Dutifully, she undid the thin bow covering it, taking off the lid. Looking inside she saw a plethora of chocolates, of varying shades and hues of brown. Her mouth watered at the mere sight of them. Chocolate was still a new thing to her, and quite possibly one of her favorites.
Before she had time her body reacted. Her arms wrapping around him tightly as she hugged him close."Thank you, so much."She said to his shoulder. This meant he didn't hate her. He still cared about her, she hadn't let him down past the point of forgiveness. She was so happy she could just hug him all day, even if he didn't hug back.
"I guess I underestimated your love of chocolate."Kid said nervously, his cheeks a shade of red not commonly seen on the reaper's face. His arms never left his sides, but at least he was smiling, even if it was only just slightly. It still made her face hurt from her own huge smile. The good kind of hurt though.
"It's my favorite."She professed, letting her arms off him and grabbing one of the chocolates."Ah, it's hard to chew."
"That's because it's caramel."Kid explained with a chuckle."You can see all the types of chocolate on the lid, see right here."
There were so many different types she was dazzled."Well you stay and help me eat them?"She asked, immediately feeling embarrassed. He probably had more important things to do than sit around and eat candy with her."You know, if it's not inconvenient."
"It's no problem."Kid smiled."You get first pick of the chocolates though. After all the gift was intended only for you."
"I think I can agree to those terms."
"Then we shouldn't have any problems."
"Well I've already had one. So your turn,"
"Hmm, I'll take that one."He decided, pointing to a milk chocolate square towards the edge of the heart. Opposite to where the one she had eaten had been.
"Okay, here you go."She said, putting the piece into his mouth. Apparently she wasn't supposed to do that because he nearly choked and started blushing again fiercely."Oh, I'm sorry."She said quickly."You can feed one to me if that will make you feel better."
"N-no, no that'll be f- that'll be quite alright," He assured her."Let's just feed ourselves from this point on, okay?"
"Okay."She agreed, not wanting to do anything wrong again.
Things proceeded much better after that. Kid talked most of the time, which was fine by her. He had a nice voice and she liked listening to it. Occasionally he'd leave a pause for her to add a comment or voice her opinion, which she did, reluctantly at first but quickly became more eager to talk as the conversation went on. They both laughed and smiled and ate chocolate until all the chocolate was gone. And then they talked and laughed some more. They talked about their friends, of things that had happened in class, things on TV, and anything that happened to come to one of their minds.
When Kid eventually left his only cause was the setting sun. And even then his feet were slow as he and Crona walked to the school's exit."Thank you for a most wonderful time."Kid thanked."We'll have to do this again sometime."
"Yes, we should."Crona agreed with a hint of pink in her cheeks.
"See you tomorrow Crona."He said as he left to return to the Gallows Mansion.
"Yeah you too," She waved. Still in a stupor over the fact that he didn't hat her, maybe now she'd have something nice to write her poetry about.
Now the only thing that could make the situation better was if Lance finally woke up.
And she was sure that wouldn't be too far away.