I told you I'd be back.
Chapter 21
"Hey Soma. So you were summoned too. Any idea what this is about?" Okami asked me as she entered the lab.
"I just got here myself... Why don't you ask old man Sakaki what's going on yourself?"
"Hey, you're working hard I hear." The old man addressed Okami as he entered the room with that thing. "Thanks to you, she's practically at adult level now."
"I did it!" It said, bowing to us. "Thank you, thank you!"
"Although her speech pattern hasn't changed. Now then, I didn't ask you here to scare you or anything. But it's truly a pressing problem... obtaining Shio's food. I had a stock pile of cores I ask you to gather... But just the other day, I completely ran out. You see, the thing is... I'd like you to take Shio on a date." Okami looked at the old man in confusion. "Give her a full-course dinner. I'm counting on you."
"What? Why do I have to go too?" Looking at Okami as she nodded in consent. "Don't accept jobs without my my permission."
"Ah! That's the authority of a leader! You can't refuse this time can you!" Damn that old man, it's as if he knew I couldn't say no to Okami.
"Damn you."
"Alright... Once again, I'm counting on you both."
"Thank you!" It said then looked to the old man. "Hey Doctor, what's a date?"
"Yes, I wonder that as well. Everyone has neglected to give a definition of the word to me as well." Commented Okami.
"Oh, it's a lot of fun."
"So, we're taking her out to play?" Okami asked still confused.
"In a way, yes." Answered the old man.
"A lot of fun..." It thought about the description. "I'm ready to eat it!"
"Well then let's go Shio." Okami said grabbing that thing's hand and walked out of the Lab.
"You must escort her properly, alright? Especially you Soma. Got that?" The old man added in as we walked out.
"Jeez... taking on something so rashly..."
"Come on Soma, it'll be fun. We'll even take Kota along as well." Okami said looking back at me as we walked to the elevator.
"Dinner! Dinner! Dinner! Aren't you excited Soma?" Man, something told me this was going to be a pain in the butt.
****** Forgotten Carrier ******
It appears the monster has a liking to Chi-Yous judging by how it would focus on that particular Aragami during the fight. Okami kept close to the thing like a mother hen, always ready to shot a recovery bullet at a seconds notice. The two giggled along together as if this was a game to them, that creature was able to get close to everyone far faster and better than I ever could. When all settled down, the monster went to devour a Orgetail.
"Okay, I'm ready to eat! Oh... wait a minute!" Then it turned to look at me. "Soma, come eat with us."
"Whoa, whoa Shio. We human don't eat Aragami, okay?"
"Hey!" Protested Okami.
"Well okay, 'normal' humans don't eat Aragami." Kota corrected.
"Huh? But... Soma's Aragami says he wants to eat." It was Resonating with the monster inside me! It was bad enough having to ignore Okami's random attempts to Resonate with everyone, but to have this thing break through my wall was unacceptable. This monster was bringing attention to me that I don't need. How I despise the look on Kota's face right now.
"Don't give me that look! You little... I'm not a monster like you!"
"H-hey..." Kota called out, trying to bring my attention to the cruelty of my words while Okami looked at me with sadness in her eyes. I couldn't bare the sight.
"Never mind, just... stay out of my way." I began walking away when I heard that thing behind me.
"I was alone for so long." I had to stop at the familiar feeling of those words. "I didn't have anybody. So now... So now I'm happy that I found you Soma. I'm happy that I found you all. Um... so now... so now... um." The little brat couldn't even find the right words to speak, but she was able to express things I could or possibly ever could. I... need to be alone for a while.
. . .
"Hey, Soma, come back!" Kota cried out then turned to me. "What's his problem anyway?"
"Just leave him be for a while. Soma needs... he needs some time to find himself."
"Wait, do you know something we don't?" With that I explained to Kota everything I knew about Soma's past and watched as his face changed from shock to sad understanding. Shio sat on the edge of the Bridge swinging her legs as she patiently waited for Kota to soak in the news.
"I see... I'm not so sure about all this. But, I guess he's the original Gods Eater, and the basis for God Arc technology. And so, he thinks that by being born, he killed his own mother too. He's been carrying baggage like that all this time? He shouldn't be so arrogant!"
"He's pushed people away out of fear of hurting them, he just doesn't know how to respond to others. Soma is... he's the kind of person to put others before himself. I know he may seem cold... but deep down... he's a kind person."
"Yeah, somewhere inside I know you're right. But how do I face him after learning all this?"
"Just be yourself, it's what he would want, to be treated like normal."
"Hey, Okami! Do you want to eat with us?" Shio said after getting impatient at waiting.
"I would Shio. But... I don't eat Ogretails."
"Why not?"
"Because my brothers are Ogretails."
"Oh, I see... so that makes you an Ogretail too... In that case, I won't eat Ogretails anymore!" I went over to pat her on the head.
"Thank you Shio! Next time, I'll catch you a feast of your favorite foods and we can eat together!"
"Yay!" Shio cheered then her smile turned upside down. "Is Soma mad at me?"
The sadness in her voice broke my heart. I embraced her in a comforting hug and gently rubbed her back. "No Shio. Soma's not mad at you, he's just mad at himself right now... He just needs to be alone for a while. Give him time... he'll come around." I then slightly pulled away so I could look at her face. "Now, are you ready to head back."
"Okay."
*** Later ***
Soma disappeared for a while again. I didn't even worry this time, like always - as I've learned- he'll come around when he's ready. I just kept doing missions with the others when finally after two days he made an appearance at the Entrance. I sat next to him on the couch, not too close to make him feel I'm invading his space and not too far where I'll have to raise my voice to talk.
"Why are you so hard on yourself?" I asked, looking at him. "Your words may be cruel to others but the meaning is mostly directed at you." He remained silent. "What is it about Shio that makes you hate her and despise yourself?"
"...Just looking at Shio, I get the feeling that she's a better human than me. I can't help it."
"But what makes you doubt your place in the human race?"
"My existence is the embodiment of destruction."
"Your existence is what bought hope to mankind." He was starting to get angry, I could tell as he actually turned to look at me.
"You know nothing about me." He practically sneered at me, but I remained unfazed.
"I know more than you know." With that he stood up and got in front of me. Both his hands gripped the couch near my face, trapping me between his arms.
"You think you know me?" His face leaned closer to mine. "Don't make me laugh. I fight strong Aragami by myself as if it's nothing. Injuries that would take weeks for a normal person to heal from I healed from in a day. My senses are stronger than normal, even superhuman, my burst last longer than others. Since the moment of my birth, death has followed me... And yet you say I'm not a monster."
He got closer so our eyes were level, I could almost feel his lips hovering over mine. "Tell me what exactly makes me human in your eyes." My heart couldn't take the intensity of his eyes or the way his lips, so close to me, were driving me wild. I turned away unable to take it anymore. But he must have misinterpreted my action as being intimidated as he grabbed my chin and made me look at him again, a little harder than necessary. Anger present on his face as he demanded, "tell me what you see?"
My face reddened at the proximity, grateful to the fact we were alone. Calming myself, I looked into his eyes and reached my hand up to gently cup his cheek. He slightly flinched but he never pulled away or backed down.
"I see ears that although may act indifferent still hear what others have to say. I see a nose that longs to smell the better things in life like flowers and trees instead of blood and ash like everyone else does. I feel a cheek as warm and expressionist as any other. I see eyes of the purest blue water any spring could provide. Eyes that feel pain at being alone for so long, eyes saddened for being able to save so many lives but not all of them."
I then reached for a lock of his hair, gently twirling it in my fingers. "I see hair so soft and bright just like your soul which you try so hard to hide." Then I placed my hand on his heart. "I feel your heart beating warm and just as vulnerable - maybe even more- as everyone else's." Then I held the hand that was on my chin. "I see hands that saved many." But then he broke from my grip and grabbed my throat, leaning back.
"And killed many as well." He slightly tightened his grip but it did not hurt. "What makes you so sure I won't kill you too?"
"You wouldn't do it."
"And what makes you think that?" He said leaning in again.
"Because you would have done it the first time you saw me with that Vajra." My eyes softened along with my voice. "You're just scared of letting people get too close. Afraid that once they do, they'll disappear with a piece of you. But you'll never experience true happiness if you're not willing to face such consequences. It's alright Soma. Don't be afraid... please... let us in, let me in."
He let his hand slowly slid down and off my neck, sending chills all over my body at his touch. He turned his face away trying to hide his reddening cheeks. "Clingy brat."
I smiled tilting my head. "You've told me that once before." Taking advantage of his turned face I planted a kiss on his warm cheek. "Oh, and for the record, I see lips that wouldn't kill you if you let them smile once in a while." Suddenly our armlets started to beep, checking it I replied. "It's Saki, let's go see what he wants." I tried getting up realizing that Soma still blocked my movement. "Soma, could you-"
But he sealed my lips with his before I could finish. I've never felt anything like this before. Yes I've kissed my mother, brothers, and Soma on the cheeks many a time. But I've never been given a kiss before, let alone on the lips. For someone who lets out cold and harsh words his lips were so warm and soft. The pressure of it made me feel like jello. A pleasant shiver went down my spine as he put his hand on the back of my head to pull us closer. The kiss was innocent but full of passion, expressing things he wouldn't say and things I couldn't put my finger on. After a second or two he broke the kiss. Straightening, he walked away. Leaving me in a daze and craving more.
****** Dr. Sakaki's Lab ******
"Sorry to summon you like this. There's an issue you see... and there's nothing I can do about it." This sounded serious, what could be so wrong that Saki couldn't fix it. "Would you mind... dressing Shio."
What?
"Dress her did you say?" Sakuya asked not believing what she was hearing.
"I've tried so many different approaches... but they all ended in failure." He almost sounded defeated.
"Stiff and scratchy. No, no..." Shio protested, shaking her head.
"And that's why she refuses. So I though of asking help from a woman."
"So then why'd you summon me. I'm leaving." Did Soma just bale on us.
"I don't see how I could be of any use either. Bugurally was just getting good... I'll leave it to you guys!" Not Kota too.
"I can't believe how callous those boys are..." Sakuya said in disbelief. "Alright, let me see if I can't get her to put them on. Shio! Come over here for a second!"
"What is it?"
"Doctor, we're going to use the back room, okay. Alisa! Help me out please."
"Very well."
"I guess I'll guard the door." I said as they went in.
"I must say, I find Shio's genetic makeup extremely interesting." Saki said trying to break the silence. "That adaptability and diversity might go a long way in creating a future beyond our imagination." Suddenly an explosion came from the room the girls were in. Alisa and Sakuya came out in a coughing fit.
"Shio has..."
"Destroyed the wall and fled outside." Sakuya said finishing for Alisa.
"Just as I said, beyond our imagination!" Saki said with a smile then turned to me. "I need for you to do me a big favor right away. Can you bring her back as soon as possible."
"She's completely fine with Aragami poison, but she really hates clothes it seems. Ah... I just found out how terrible an ultra-spoiled child can be..." Sakuya said, sitting down in exhaustion.
"Hmm... who knew she's resist clothing? How interesting... Obviously she'll need clothes tailor-made for her..."
"While you're working on that Saki, I'll bring her back." I said leaving the Lab. Exiting, I bumped into Kota and Soma running toward the Lab.
"I was watching Bugarally when I heard a thud. What's going on?" Kota asked slightly out of breath.
"Just Shio throwing a tantrum... Come on boys, let's go get her back."
****** A little later ******
After taking care of wondering Aragami at the Tranquil Temple, we split to look for Shio. Soma was the one who found her, and a good thing too, it seems they're getting along better now. Soma may get me for thinking this but when I saw him with Shio it looked like an older brother, though annoyed still lovingly played with his little sister. So he's finally made peace with himself.
Bringing her back I gathered material for Shio's clothes while the girls prepared and the boys waited outside. Feeling bad for them I decided to wait outside the Lab with them.
"Did you hear? The girls are gathering in Shio's room. They're up to something. They're not letting me in. Lucky you, I wish I was born a girl too."
"They're not doing anything secretive Kota, just helping Shio into her new clothes."
"Jeez, why force clothes on someone who doesn't like it... it's stupid..."
"I didn't know you felt that way about clothes Soma. Would you rather everyone go around naked and free?"
"Don't be ridiculous!" Ha! His face was turning into a tomato.
"Did you say they've started making Shio's clothes already? Whoa! I'd kill to see them right now!" Kota said excited.
"I'm excited as well. I hear they're cute."
"Every last one of them, fussing over a trivial thing like Shio's clothes! Are you with them?" Soma asked in disbelief.
"Yes, I can't wait."
"Hmm... well, making such a commotion about such a trivial matter is immature of me, I guess." Soma reluctantly submitted. Since when was he this yielding?
"Hey guys, we're finished in here. You can come in now." Sakuya called out to us. Entering the Lab we got a good look at Shio's new dress. It looked so cute on her with green frillings. "Thanks for waiting."
"Oh my! I can't believe it! She's so cute!" Squealed Alisa grabbing on to me.
"It's like kittens and bunnies and got together and had a baby." I said.
"She looks like a typical girl doesn't she." Sakuya commented. Shio looked around in excitement.
"Hey, pretty cute! Don't you think so Soma?"
"Yeah, I guess so."
"Whoa, I didn't expect that kind of reaction."
"You know what, I feel good." Then Shio started to sing. Her voice was very beautiful and soothing. "Do you know this? It's called a song."
"Huh?" Soma said in surprise.
"That was beautiful, Shio. Well done."
"Whoa, that was good." Kota cheered.
"That was amazing Shio."
"What's that? Was that a good job?" I smiled and nodded to her.
"Yes."
"You don't say... I did a good job, huh? That makes me feel good!"
"Still, where did you learn to sing?" Sakuya asked.
"Huh? Soma and I heard it together." Ah so that's why he was so surprised. She must have been listing to his iPod, which means... Aw, they were bonding. That's so sweet.
"Huh? What?!" Kota's face was priceless.
"Well, well, well Soma." Sakuya teased.
"Well now, is that right?" Alisa asked him.
"Beats me." Soma replied.
"Oh... when did you two get so chummy?" Kota said with a grin, teasingly pleased that Soma was finally opening up.
Soma whispered. 'Damn... better to be a loner after all,' but I heard him.
"Soma," I said getting his attention. "Good job, now all we have to do is work on your smile."
His blush got bigger. "Give me a break, woman."
****** Something extra ******
"So what's this about not being scratchy anymore." I teased at Soma.
"I told you that email was from Shio!"