Author's Notes:
I'm back, as promised! I finally handed in my stupid paper... phew
I never asked, but what do you people think about the chapter lenght? Normally they are rather short, but I update often... If I change that you will have to wait longer... Well, because university starts again on Monday I'll be slower anyway... This chapter is slightly longer because I combined two chapters, because it made more sense. The next few chapters will each focus on one day. Kinda boring, right? But you'll see...
I haven't gone over the chapter as much as the others because I've had enough of eternal editing (thanks to my paper lolz). I'm really sorry for any stupid mistakes, germanisms, wrong phrasal verbs, things that don't even exists and the overall "huh?" effect this chapter may cause.
Disclaimer: D.Gray-Man belongs to Katsura Hoshino
Kapitel 4 - First Lesson: ControlEllen awoke with the first rays of sunlight shining trough her small window. She sat up in her bed and looked puzzled for a bit, then she remembered where she was and folded her hands in her lap.
"Here we are. My first day at this strange order", she said, then she got up, wincing as her naked feet touched the cold stone floor. Why was there no carpet? And there were no curtains. It was all clean and bleak. She was determined the change a lot of things in her room; if this was going to be her home, then she also wanted it to feel like a place she would like to stay. Ellen clumsily made her bed, then she put her suitcase on top of it.
"So. What should I wear today?", she wondered and sorted through the few clothes inside. She was very inclined to wear her nice new dress, but she realized that she lacked matching shoes. "Oh no. That will not do!", she chid herself, "I have no other choice but to wear my previous outfit. Oh. I am rather ashamed". Lady Ellen Bermont was not used to wear the same dress for a longer span of time without having it washed by a servant. But wearing a nice dress with the ugly, dirty shoes she had used to get her would be even worse. So she chose the lesser evil and put on the trousers, the shirt, the vest and the shoes. She folded her gown and put it in the drawer. Then she left the room to look for a rest room, where she could take care of her messy hair. She found a rather strange room with pools in it, but after having checked many doors, she finally discovered the woman's bath room. She was rather disappointed by the fact that no one was around. She would have been able to state that she was in fact a woman too. But she decided that now was not the time to be vain, but the time to eat a healthy breakfast. And so, when she was done, she left the room and wandered the corridors, hopefully in the right direction to the dining room.
She was lucky, because she finally met some people along the way all moving into the same direction. Like this Ellen arrived at the huge dining hall where hundreds of benches and long tables were situated. And even though it was quite early in the morning the hall was filled with the buzz of people talking and the sounds of eating. Ellen was excited because it reminded her of the times Mana took her out to big fairs where a lot of people would eat in huge tents.
"Oh, a new face!", a voice on Ellen's left called and she turned her head to find a man perched on a counter which lead to the kitchens.
"Pleased to meet you!", the girl greeted and made a bow.
"Oh my, such a cute little one!", the man, with a quite feminine air about him, said and leaned nearer to her as Ellen approached him. The aristocratic girl couldn't hide a delighted blush.
"Why, thank you very much", she answered and the man laughed.
"I'm Jerry, the Black Order's cook. I can cook you anything you'd like, my dear!", he announced. It pretty much reminded Ellen of her own cook at home and she felt very much pleased.
"Just a healthy breakfast if you would, please. Some scrambled egg, buttered toast, tea, ah make that peppermint if you would be so kind, and... A croissant with honey", she said and felt her stomach grumble just thinking of the food, which embarrassed her very much.
"No problem, my dear! Just a minute!", Jerry said and disappeared in the kitchen. The girl nodded, then, with a content smile, sat on a free seat at a nearby bench and started a conversation with some people.
"Pleased to make your acquaintance", the girl said to the smiling people, "My name is Ellen Walker".
"You're new here, right? Who is your general?", a man next to her asked.
"General Marian Cross", she answered and the people looked surprised, "I heard he is not the sort of person to take students?"
"Yes, we're surprised by that! He's a very mysterious person, that Cross is. We hear he only cares about women and that's why he never comes to the order".
"Now, how curious of him. I thought that the order is home to all exorcists"
"Exorcists and finders and the staff. Yes. We are finders by the way", a girl said.
"Finders? You must excuse me, I am not yet familiar with the order's structures", Ellen apologized, feeling a little bit ashamed of her lack of knowledge. But the finders didn't seem to be offended.
"We finders are responsible for locating Innocence. Where ever there is information about strange occurrences we finders are sent out to investigate".
"That is amazing, you must be very knowledgeable. And this also sounds like quite a dangerous job", Ellen mused and the finders laughed.
"Well, I'm glad you think like this, but there are other people who think that we are scum…", an older man said, as quite a commotion rose in the further parts of the hall. Ellen looked at him with a puzzled face and the man pointed behind him.
"Your food is ready, my darling!!", Jerry called from the kitchen and Ellen rose. Just then she saw what the matter was. A huge man, probably a finder judging from what he was wearing, was being held up and strangled by a smaller figure. "Oh no, not again. That Kanda, really, such a bad temper", Jerry said as he came to Ellen with the tray.
"What is he doing!? Oh no!", Ellen shouted, "Jerry, thank you very much, can you put the tray on the table? Thank you!", after she said that she rushed away.
"But darling! Don't go there! He…", but the girl already had disappeared into the masses, leaving a puzzled Jerry and the finders alone. Ellen pushed through the people and finally reached the two.
"Mister Kanda, what are you doing!", Ellen demanded, "please, let this man go!". Kanda only glanced at her briefly, then he snorted.
"Don't butt in, beansprout". Ellen blushed at the insulting nickname, "it's got nothing to do with you". Ellen herself was amazed at her own courage; Mana taught her to always stand up for those in need, but also not to overestimate her own abilities. Going against Kanda, an able fighter, as Ellen had seen, was far above her own capabilities. But none the less or maybe because it was Kanda, the man who would be her teacher, she couldn't let this matter slip.
"No it does not, but that does not mean that I will not try to intervene! Can you not see that you are hurting him! Let go of him! At once!!", she tried to sound as ordering as possible, but Kanda only glared at her, her words probably just fuelling his sadistic anger.
"Mister Kanda!", Ellen shouted, now worriedly and grabbed his hands, "you are killing him!"
"Who cares, he'll die anyway. Worthless finder. And he will be replaced!!", he shouted. And Ellen froze.
"Such despicable words…", she whispered, then she let go of his arm, only to bring her hand across his cheek. The whole mass of agitated people fell into silence at once, even Kanda was so surprised that he let go of the man. Her slap, given by her left hand, stung badly and his cheek was turning an ugly red very fast.
"You… What did you…", he started with hatred dripping from his words. Ellen shook, but still stood her ground.
"I slapped you. It serves you well, though I am sorry that I had to turn to such low actions. But words only fell on deaf ears, Mister Kanda", she said and Kanda glared daggers at her.
"You will die early. By my blade", he warned, but Ellen just grabbed his sleeves, before he could reach for the sword on the table.
"Speak no such ugly words! That is horrible!", she shouted, then she turned from him to kneel by the hurt finder.
"We should get him a doctor, he seems to be in rather bad shape", she said to a nearby man, who nodded and ran of. The other people helped the man stand up and dragged him off to the infirmary.
"Oi… Don't turn your back at me", Kanda warned and Ellen stood up again, dusting off her knees. But instead of starting to argue with Kanda, she just bowed.
"I am very sorry for slapping you… If you would excuse me?", with that she disappeared again, to get back to her own table, where Jerry still had the tray in his hands.
"My dear. You have a lot of courage", Jerry complimented her as she sat down again, very flushed. The other finders at her table were patting her shoulders and back.
"I was pretty scared. But I am also proud", she said with a small smile on her face and then she started eating. But she didn't get to each much, because a voice interrupted her.
"Hey you. Beansprout". It was Kanda, Ellen knew at once from his cold voice. She turned around.
"Mister Kanda, my name is Ellen", she corrected him, then she pointed to the free seat on the bench. "Please, sit". Kanda only grimaced.
"Don't mock me, you idiot", he hissed.
"I am not trying to do anything of that sort. I am trying to be nice to you", she said. Kanda was very annoyed, she could see that, so she decided not to speak anymore. But she didn't have to and neither did Kanda because just then a man passed by the door to the dining hall and spotted the two of them.
"Ah, Kanda! And Allen, right?", he called, a stack of papers in his hands. Ellen recognized him as a man she had passed on her way to Komui. As far as she could remember he was called Wenham. "Komui wants to see you two. Eat up and go". With this he already turned around the next corner and left Kanda with a fouler mood than before.
"I'm not waiting for you", he growled and left the dining hall as fast as possible even though he didn't really look forward to meeting her again at Komui's office. Ellen did hurry, thanked Jerry for the meal and searched her way back to Komuis office.
When Ellen arrived at the branch leader's office, Komui's head was barely visible, smiling at her from over high paper towers.
"Allen! Glad you made it!", he greeted. Ellen nodded and looked around. Kanda was already there sitting on the couch in front of Komui's desk, legs crossed and an annoyed scowl on his handsome face.
"Well, it would be handsome if not for the grimace he always pulls", Ellen thought but greeted him with a smile just because it was the right and polite thing to do.
"Please, Allen, take a seat", Komui said and came to the front of his table where he could actually be seen by the two. Ellen did what he asked her to do, but with a reasonable distance to Kanda.
"The reason I ordered you to come here, Kanda, is pretty simple. Allen Walker here might have a general but he has no experience as exorcist whatsoever". Kanda only raised an eyebrow and threw a mocking glance at Ellen. "Therefore we cannot send him on missions just yet. I decided it was best if you, Kanda, took care of his training until he's ready". Ellen didn't even need to look at Kanda's face to know he was furious.
"No way! I'm not his nurse! Find someone better to do this job, I refuse". He stood up to leave, but Komui blocked his path.
"Just a moment, Kanda. You cannot just refuse an order", he reprimanded him.
"This is ridiculous Komui. I can't stand this guy. And we both know that I don't train others. I have enough on my hands already", Kanda argued, "without this idiot beansprout to get on my nerves".
"I will not get on your nerves, Mister Kanda. I intend to learn from you", Ellen stated and got up from the sofa as well.
"Well said, boy!", Komui exclaimed, clapping his hands, then he turned back to Kanda, "you will not be assigned any missions until he is ready".
"I did NOT agree to this!!", Kanda shouted infuriated.
"Kanda Yu! This is a mission and I expect of you to go about it most dutifully, like you always do!", Komui said with a stern face which impressed Ellen very much. And Kanda stopped arguing even though he did seem quite disturbed. "You yourself decide on the programme you want him to go through. He is your responsibility. I know it is more of a burden really, but you're most capable of coping with it", the man assured, "ah yes. I want you to report on your progress. That's all, you can go now". Ellen bowed and hurried after Kanda who left without another word.
"Mister Kanda, what should I do?", she asked after she caught up with him.
"Che. Quit following me!", he shouted. "Go find something else to do. We will start this evening". With that he rushed off and left Ellen standing by herself. With nothing better to do, she asked the next finder she encountered if he could show her the way to the library Linali had showed her the day before. And there she spent her time until Linali found her.
"Allen! Here you are!", she said and sat down at the table opposite the girl.
"Yes, I have spent the last hours reading. This really is an amazing library!", she said, which made Linali laugh.
"Not many people appreciate the richness of knowledge stored here. I'm sure you would be good friends with Rabi!", she said.
"Rabi? I remember that name", Ellen said with an interested look on her face.
"He's a bookman. They record history and therefore have to spend a lot of time with gaining knowledge. He's very clever. Most of the people in the order didn't have much education", she explained and looked at Ellen, "did you?"
"Oh, yes. My mother was very keen on getting me a good education, mostly to secure a good future, married or unmarried. Though she would have preferred marriage over the life in the church"
"Don't worry Allen, we can all marry, the order does not restrict us. But our work actually prevents us from most relationships", Linali explained, then she remembered why she came here in the first place and put a bundle of black fabric on the table. "Before I forget, this here, Allen, is your new uniform!". Ellen looked at it with interest and pulled it towards her. "We are not required to wear them in the order, but on missions. They are also made to last in combat. You will find the uniform very useful"
"Do you think it will shield me from Mister Kanda's attacks?", Ellen wondered and put the coat on.
"It suits you well, Allen!", Linali approved, "And Kanda won't just attack you! He's your trainer, not your enemy"
"Yes. I would like to believe that, but I first have to tell him again", she sat down again and sighed, "Linali… I slapped him, I feel very ashamed now the deed is done and I have calmed down". Linali looked at him with wide eyes, then she started to giggle.
"Oh Allen, don't worry about it! You only hurt his pride not much more! You slapping Kanda, this is really courageous of you, but I guess he deserved it"
"Of course he did, but I wished words would have been enough to make him stop hurting this one finder". Linali had a thoughtful look on her face.
"Well… Kanda is like this… He lives for his missions… He's convinced that weak people don't belong on the battle field and deems himself better than the finders… He also doesn't approve of women on the battlefield… He told me. I was angry at first, but then I understood what he really meant"
"And what did he mean?", Ellen wondered, because this was important for her as well, she was a woman too after all.
"That women should be protected and stay at home where they are safe. He is very traditional in this aspect and I understand. Most men are, but if it comes to our battle, they are very glad that also women know how to fight. I have heard Rabi say that women are indispensable in times of war, because they take care of the home as long as the men are gone"
"Yes, this makes sense to me… But how did you find out that Kanda meant this? Did he tell you?"
"No… but he has been kind to me… Whenever I felt scared I could go to him. We didn't talk, but I just sat there and felt… Protected… I guess Kanda is very protective of women. We had a mission together once, with Rabi. He told Rabi to fend for himself but he worked together with me, just to make sure that I'm safe… I really appreciated it…", Linali told him.
"Yes…", Ellen nodded, "he seems like an honourable man… Even though he behaves quite rudely when faced with men…", she added.
"Ah, don't worry. He will come to tolerate you! You're younger than him and he is responsible for you. I'm sure he will behave differently for once", Linali smiled, "and maybe he will grow thanks to you", with this she got up, "come on! Let's get some late lunch! You must be hungry!". Ellen was still thinking about Kanda, but when Linali mentioned food she became aware of the fact that she was actually hungry.
"Oh yes, please!", she said with a smile and followed Linali out of the room.
Jerry was delighted when the two young women turned up at the kitchen.
"Ah, you two! Can I get you something?", he asked with a bright smile. Ellen knew at once, that Jerry had taken a liking to her, mostly from the way he looked at her.
"I'd just like a slice of the pie you made! And an orange juice, please!", Linali said, "and you Allen?"
"Could I have a slice of bread with honey? And pie sounds delicious!", Ellen exclaimed with a smile on her face, "and some tea".
"Just a second you two!", with this Jerry disappeared inside the kitchen and Linali pulled Ellen to a nearby table.
"You're not eating much for a parasitic type, are you?", the Chinese girl wondered and Ellen looked at her.
"Should I?". Linali laughed and nodded.
"Komui told me that the parasitic innocence lives of its host's energy. So you have to eat a lot to compensate for it. You never had to?"
"Well… Mostly not, maybe that is because I am not able to… How did your brother call it? Activate my weapon… But if I remember correctly I was very hungry when I forced my hand to activate just before I got here… And I was exhausted!", Ellen told her.
"So you are able to invocate!", Linali said with a surprised but happy smile.
"Well… It has only happened two times… The first time the claw showed itself on its own accord… I did not feel hungry at all and I actually stopped eating for a week… But my hair lost its colour". The Chinese girl had a frown on her face.
"I see… That's strange. Maybe you should talk to Komui about this… Innocence shouldn't harm it's wielder…".
"There you go, you two! Your orders!", Jerry interrupted their chatter and put the plates on the table.
"Oh, this looks fantastic, Mister Jerry!", Ellen exclaimed and looked at the steaming plum pie. "I am deeply impressed!". Jerry blushed and put his hands on his cheeks, while giggling.
"Ah, such a flattering child! How I would like to pinch your cheeks, you little darling!". Ellen laughed and Jerry returned to the kitchen, still laughing.
"You're quite the flatterer, really Allen", Linali stated with a smile.
"I did not intent to flatter him, I am praising. Credit where credit is due, right?", the girl across from Linali asked and then tasted her pie, "and Jerry deserves all the praise I can come up with".
"Ah Allen, you truly are funny!". They ate in silence for some minutes, but when Ellen was eating her honey covered bread, Kanda came into the dining hall.
"Beansprout!", he called and Ellen nearly chocked on her bread. "We start training!".
"But Kanda, we are still eating!", Linali exclaimed with a disturbed face. But Ellen just put her bread down and smiled.
"Do not worry about me! I have had enough! I am coming, Mister Kanda!", she called and got up to follow him out of the room.
"I expect you to be at the training ground at every morning at six from tomorrow on", Kanda told her, while he lead the way through the corridors. Ellen had no idea where they were going, but she noticed that Kanda wore his uniform and had his sword with him.
"Very well"
"We will first train some muscle into that girly body of yours. If you slack, I'll kill you"
"Understood", Ellen said as she saw no point in arguing with him right now. Kanda looked at her with a frown, maybe he had expected to hear some kind of protest. He stayed silent for the rest of their walk until they got to wooden doors. Kanda pushed them open and got in, Ellen following. They were in a room with a low-hanging ceiling. The floor was smooth stone and the walls were also made of stone without any decorations and few windows letting some evening sun in. Kanda walked to the back of the room where he put his sword on a simple wooden table. Ellen could see equally simple wooden benches next to it and a locker in a corner. But this was all the furniture the room had.
"The fact that you were able to climb the mountain, however stupid that might be, indicates that you have formed your body to some extend". Ellen raised an eyebrow.
"Is there any other way to get up to the tower?", she wondered and Kanda let out a small snort.
"Of course, you idiot. There is an elevator and a stairway. No one expects people to actually climb up there". Ellen just sighed and shook her head. "But still. You are useless as an exorcist if you can't use your innocence", Kanda spat, "you are a parasitic type, right? Show me where your innocence is!", he ordered. Ellen still didn't feel very comfortable to show her arm to anyone, but she sighed and pulled off her glove. "Hm. No wonder you were able to bruise my cheek". Just by mentioning it, even though his face was as flawless as it had been before their morning encounter, he had her blushing in shame.
"I am deeply sorry", she muttered and Kanda just grunted and pushed her into the centre of the small room.
"Don't be ridiculous, you idiot! What weakling goes around apologizing for every thing they did?! You are an exorcist now! You must take responsibility for your actions. But let me tell you one thing; being rash will only result in your death". Ellen looked at him with uncertain eyes but nodded.
"Now... We will exercise. Put up your hands, you idiot!", Kanda told her and put his hands up as if he were to attack her.
"What…? Do you want me to fight you? I do not know how to box!", she admitted though she had boxed against Mana several times just for fun. Until her mother found out, that is.
"Shut up and put your hands up", he said and punched her shoulder lightly as a warning. Ellen did know enough of boxing to know that he had no common boxer's stance; it seemed more elegant, beautiful even, as he stood there, hands raised in front of him.
"Very well… I will try…", Ellen said nervously, pressing her lips together. She raised her clenched fists up in front of her and looked at him uncertainly. "I am ready, Mister Kanda…". She had barley finished her sentence when Kanda threw a punch at her shoulder again. It took her by surprise and she wasn't fast enough to dodge it. His fist connected with her thin left shoulder and the force of it made her stagger a few steps back. But it didn't hurt as much as she expected it to. "Just concentrate on evading my attacks", Kanda warned and Ellen nodded, suddenly getting very exited. It was like back then, when she played with Mana.
Ellen kept her eyes open, but Kanda was still too fast for her. His punches stung a little, but she put up with it. And as time passed and the light was getting dimmer inside the room, Ellen was finally able to dodge and sometimes even block his attacks.
"I guess that's fine for now", Kanda suddenly announced as Ellen successfully blocked a punch. She smiled and lowered her hands. Her body ached all over and she knew that her lip was swollen were Kanda had hit her, just because she tried and failed to evade a punch aimed at the air next to her head.
"Oh, this is fun, Mister Kanda!"
"Good for you, you annoying idiot", the Japanese man said and looked at her body. They both had discarded their uniforms earlier, and Ellen had rolled up the sleeves of her shirt. Her arms had blue and red spots all over them and he knew there were many more on her upper arms and shoulders. That's all he aimed for, the bloody lip was just a result of the beansprout's stupidity and he didn't feel sorry about it at all. The girl was swinging her arms, apparently trying to get the ache out of her shoulders, but she was smiling. A big smile plastered all over her sweaty face, her white hair sticking to her cheeks and forehead and her usually white face flushed with a lively peachy colour.
"Do you not enjoy boxing?", Ellen asked and let her arms drop to her sides. Kanda picked up his coat from the ground.
"Not much. I am used to Asian fighting styles, mostly sword fighting", he said and hanged the coat on a hook. He went to the door to switch on the electric light. "And I could name many activities which would please me more than training an idiot-beansprout like you". He went to the centre of the room again, where Ellen was still waiting.
"Well, I like training with you. It is very entertaining, Mister Kanda", she said with a big smile. Kanda frowned.
"Stop calling me that. Kanda will do", he told her.
"But that is your last name, right? Do you not consider it impolite of me just calling you Kanda?", she wondered and saw Kanda's face; an irritated scowl.
"You're annoying! You act like an old man! We are exorcist and we are both still young!! Behave like it!", he shouted and Ellen grimaced, but then she looked him up and down.
"If you do not mind me asking, how old are you, Mi… Kanda?", she corrected herself and smiled. Kanda frowned.
"18".
"How long have you been here in England? You speak the language remarkably well, just like an Englishman!", she said with a delighted tone.
"Why do you want to know such useless things!? Let's work, you idiot!", he ordered and punched her shoulder.
"Fine…", Ellen pouted but then looked up at him. "What will we do now?"
"Invocate your Innocence, idiot", he said and saw her face fall, "what now?!"
"I cannot do it…", she mumbled.
"I know, that's why we are stuck here in the first place!", Kanda spat and Ellen sighed.
"I have…", she started, but shook her head, "Did you ever feel like your Innocence controlled you?"
"Why do you ask?", Kanda wanted to know, slightly taken aback by the question. Ellen raised her hand and looked at the green cross in its back.
"The first time it activated was on its own… It took over my body and it… killed", she drew in some air, "my uncle whom I have turned into an Akuma". Kanda remained silent.
"Why are you telling me this?", he wanted to know, for once lacking bite in his words.
"I do not know… Maybe because I am afraid of seeing the claw again…". Kanda snorted.
"That's the first time that I have heard that someone's afraid of their innocence. That people are afraid of the burden innocence brings, yes, that I do know of"
"I did not want to seem like a coward".
"Stop talking, you idiot!", Kanda snapped and Ellen shut up, "Now just concentrate and order your innocence to activate". Ellen looked at him with a puzzled face, but he didn't provide further explanation, so she just looked down on her hand. She remembered the time in the forest where she commanded the Innocence to form the claw. She decided to try it the same way again.
"Innocence!", she started, "I command you to show yourself!!". The green cross started to glow and her red arm formed a big white claw quite effortlessly. Kanda backed off fast because the claw's size took him by surprise. But as soon as Ellen saw her arm in front of her eyes she remembered that night when she killed Mana. She started to scream, her eyes wide and the claw disappeared again, leaving her gasping for air. She dropped to the ground, still trying to catch her breath, her hand held as far away from her body as possible.
"I cannot… I just cannot do it", she breathed, and lowered her head, to hide the tears of shame. "It frightens me so…" She heard Kanda come closer, and felt his hand on her shoulder. He gripped the fabric of her shirt and pulled her up again on her feet.
"Stop crying, you're no girl!"
"But Kanda…", she protested weakly, but he just let go of the fabric and grabbed the sleeve of her left arm.
"Look at it!", he ordered and Ellen stared at his face, "Look!!", he shouted and made her flinch. She hesitated, but turned her gaze to the red arm. "You know this since birth, right?! That is your arm!", Ellen raised her head to meet his stare, "the innocence is part of your body, if you are strong enough it will not be able to control you or your life. Invocate it and you have a strong weapon to protect yourself. It is your duty as exorcist and the aim of Innocence to destroy Akuma". He let go of her arm. "No get a grip and invocate your weapon!!". He stepped away and Ellen was looking at him, as if she expected more help. But he would not give her any, he could not. Mastering Innocence was a personal task. Ellen turned her gaze back at her hand.
"I… Innocence…", she stuttered.
"Idiot! Show some confidence! There is nothing to be afraid of! There is no one that claw of yours could harm! I am no Akuma!", he shouted. Ellen pressed her lips together and concentrated. "Innocence! I order you to activate!", she shouted and the claw returned. Ellen tried to bare it, take in its huge form, the sharp fingers, the rough surface, the light reflecting in it. Then it disappeared again. She heard Kanda groan as she let her arm drop at her side.
"What's the problem now?!", he demanded and walked to her side.
"It is… so frightening… I look at this claw… It reminds me of a monster…" Kanda put his hand on his forehand, visibly annoyed.
"Close your eyes", he ordered and Ellen turned her head, "didn't you hear me?! Close your eyes!". Ellen shut her eyes and waited. "Now raise your hand", she heard his voice and did as he told her. "Keep your eyes closed and invocate". Ellen breathed in and nodded.
"Innocence! Activate!", she called and felt the rush of power in her left arm and the heaviness of the claw held in front of her.
"Just keep it like that. This is still your arm", she heard Kanda say and nodded again. Ellen just stood still, holding her invocated arm in front of her and waited. She tried to get comfortable with it, to get used to the sensation and the prickling like electricity washing over her. Kanda just observed her while she stood unmoving, her face calm, but showing slight curiosity and effort. He saw how she tried to move her hand, how she flexed her claw-fingers and moved her hand up and down. He let her do as she pleased until he noticed that she was trembling.
"Okay, that's enough! Stop the invocation!", he ordered and went to get his coat. Ellen lowered her arm and with a "stop, innocence!" her hand returned to normal. She opened her eyes and turned to Kanda. But before she could say anything she felt all her energy leave her and dropped to the floor. Kanda just walked over to her calmly.
"Well. Parasitic Innocence uses up a lot of power", he told her, what she had already known, and then he gripped her arm to pull her on her feet. "Take your coat", he told her and pushed the fabric into her shaking arms. Ellen put it on and tried to follow Kanda, but stumbled all the way.
"Did this ever happen to you…?", she wanted to know, panting slightly as she reached him at the doors.
"Kind of. We are going to the Dining Hall", he informed her and lead the way. Ellen wouldn't have expected that she would be able to go on for so long, but they eventually reached the Dining Hall, filled with people for dinner, still standing on her feet.
"Ah, did you two become friends now?", Jerry asked as Ellen and Kanda reached the counter. "My, darling, you look exhausted!"
"Do not worry I am fine!", Ellen assured him and smiled.
"The usual", Kanda said and disappeared in the mass of people.
"Just a minute!", Jerry called after him, then he turned to Ellen, "and you?"
"I am not sure. Just something strong to get back some energy", she told him. Jerry smiled kindly and nodded. Instead of going to find a table Ellen waited, not trusting her feet to carry her. While she waited Jerry gave her some left over pie, which did help getting a bit life back into her.
"Here we are! I made you a strong soup, a plate of lasagne, some fruit juice and dango as dessert, you might like them!", he exclaimed, "and here is Kanda's Tempura Soba. Can you carry both trays?". Ellen nodded and took both. She was fairly sure on her feet again, which was a great relief. She thanked Jerry and went looking for Kanda, whom she found at the very end of the hall, sitting all by himself and if Ellen didn't knew better she would have thought that he might be sleeping, chin resting in the palm of his hand. She put down the plates and Kanda opened his eyes as she sat down opposite him.
"I hope you do not mind me sitting here", Ellen said and as Kanda only snorted she smiled. They were eating in silence and the girl was surprised that she was able to eat the mountain of food Jerry got her; it must be true with the parasitic type eating much more. By the time Kanda finished his noodles Ellen was just getting to the dessert.
"Kanda, would you like one of those?", she asked and held a stick in front of him.
"I don't like sweet things", he said with a frown.
"So they are sweet?", she wondered and took a bite, her face lighting up immediately. "Oh. They are delicious". Kanda was just getting up when Ellen held up one stick once again, "Do you really want to let the opportunity pass?", she asked him with a sweet smile. Kanda found that this was a rather strange way of trying to convince him, because he could get the sticky things any time he wanted. But something in the way she smiled made him ignore that. With a groan he sat back down and took the offered sweet. Ellen smiled at him and their first day of training ended with eating dessert together.
To be continued...
Notes:
Yes. I know, Kanda's not very IC... But tell me what you think about it... There will be a lot more training X3 Hope it won't get boring.