Thread of Fate
Chapter 3
(Jonah)
"Why didn't you tell me?" I asked her completely perplexed and worried. Lilianne or Oujo-sama and I were on our way to school. It's been a few days since the beginning of classes and it was only recently that I found out about the bullying she has been experiencing. "And of all people, I had to find out from Chrollo!"
"Telling you wouldn't have made a difference" She waved it off coolly.
"Yes, it would. As the Student Council President, I can't afford having students bullied, especially on their first year!"
Lilianne stopped in her tracks and looked at me, the 'oujo-sama aura' leaking from her entity, and the glint of confidence and coldness in her eyes reflected the very words she will say, "There are three people in this world, Jonah, the powerful, the powerless and the outcasts. Powerful meaning people like you, Chrollo, my father and the many popular kids at our school. The powerless are the defenseless and weak, those who can't stand on their own. And the outcasts... are the unnoticed shadows of society who watch from the deepest corners, either sworn to invisibility or sworn to be a powerful's retainer."
"Then which are you?"
"None of them."
"Huh?" Her words baffled me and yet, she left the conversation there and continued walking while I stood, dumbfounded.
What ever could you mean? Why is it that even though I've tried my hardest to catch up to you, I just can't? It's like my efforts are completely futile as I am forever cursed to gaze and chase after your back. But still, there's a feeling of content at the thought that I could stay by your side and protect you.
(Lilianne)
Opening my locker, more letters spilled out. For the sake of mocking courtesy, I would open and read the letters briefly, not paying attention to the contents as they're all the same but from different people.
So my fanclub is growing...
After checking all of my 'fanmail', I would casually throw them to the nearest trash bin.
"You seem to be getting more fanmail." Chrollo's ever mocking tone and smile greeted this early in the morning.
"Let's collaborate in a talk show and maybe I'll get more." I bluntly replied and started walking away.
Chrollo chuckled and walked after me with book in hand. "You know, I'm still not taking your advice on stepping down and licking Jonathan's shoes like a pup." He taunted, all the while reading his book.
"Is that so?" I replied with my tone conveying so little interest as to not take the bait but inside, he's stepping on a landmine.
He must have sensed it because he slyly smiled. "Let me get this straight, Ms. Rosette, I am the Student Council Vice President and as his right hand, I believe that I should contradict him to set him straight."
Many of the students eyed us as we passed the halls.
Yep, getting more 'fanmail' later.
"I could care less on what you do in the Student Council, Chrollo, but since this involves Jonah, I would insist you cause him less trouble than there is." And thankfully, we've finally reached my classroom. "Now, if you'll excuse me"
I left him and entered the classroom.
(Chrollo)
I stared at the door as it blocked Lilianne from my view and smiled amusingly.
'But since it involves Jonah' huh?
I shook my head and went to my own classroom. As soon as I was in front of the door, my smile and amused expression vanished altogether and was replaced with a void feeling.
Finally, it was time for lunch. I got up from my seat.
"Chrollo, I prepared your lunch today." Scarlet, one of the many girls in the school who admire me, smiled sweetly as she handed me a small lunchbox, or more accurately, a bento box.
I flashed her one of my kind yet fake smiles and took the lunch. She was starry-eyed with glee as I left the classroom.
Along the corridor, I saw Jonah giving Lilianne another lunchbox and Lilianne seemed really happy and so did Jonathan. Seeing them together like that made a complicated knot in my stomach and a dull ache in my chest.
I wonder... why I feel so strange?
"Don't mention it." Jonathan scratched the back of his head, slightly blushing at probably the thanks Lilianne gave him.
And suddenly, one of the many things I could never acquire ever since I met her, she smiled sweetly at Jonathan and said, "Really, Jonah. Thanks! I really love your cooking!"
Smirking, I approached them and mocked, "President, if you have time preparing and giving away free lunches, then finish your report."
I can see how much Jonathan wanted to scowl but with Lilianne there, he wouldn't dare let her see anything that will tarnish his reputation. Although Lilianne was a different matter. She looked at me, though facially stoic, coldly. Her entire being was rejecting my mere presence.
"Jonah always does his job properly, Chrollo. Perhaps it's you who's not done with his job yet." Harsh as always. Presenting the only lady in school who can answer me in such a way.
I chuckled, amused at her straightforward fierceness, yet at the same time, hiding the contempt I feel for Jonathan Fidelis.
"Perhaps." And for the sake of annoying Jonathan, I took Lilianne's right hand, which I noticed has a birthmark that of a rose. "Now to take my leave as I have other business to attend to" and kissed it lightly.
(Lilianne)
Chrollo Lucifer Morningstar has casually walked away after displaying a scene along the corridor. Jonah was in pure shock that he couldn't move and I was just in a daze and it's not because of his absurd behavior but because of the moment itself because the moment his lips made contact with the rose-shaped birthmark, I felt a shock and for a brief moment, I was in another world, another place, another time and heard the words ' If I were to be your knight or prince, then I will protect you like this all the time.'
It was nothing but a faint echo, a distant dream... and yet it seemed so real. I blinked and turned to Jonah.
"Jonah, let's have lunch now" And as Jonah and I turned away,
"My, my... Seems like my little sister is attracting more attention than I thought"
That voice and sweet tone made me turn and with surprise, I said, "Sylvia... nee-sama"
(Chrollo)
Satisfied with my work, I left everyone dumbfounded and went to my meeting place with one of the most important members of my underground society, the Phantom Troupe. On my way, I thought about that short yet vivid vision I got upon placing my lips lightly on the back of Lilianne's hand.
"Heh" I laughed at the ridiculous words I heard and it was all in such a familiar voice too.
'If I were to be your knight or prince, then I will protect you like this all the time.'
It sounded a lot like my own but I will never say foolish words. I opened the door and in front of me is an abandoned and trashy classroom. Inside is one of the Troupe's members busily typing at his laptop but the moment the door opened, he looked up and greeted me.
"Danchou" He smiled. As always, he's gleeful.
"Shal, have you found anything?" I asked, going in and closing the door behind me.
Sitting beside him, I placed the bento box Scarlet prepared for me on the scratched desk.
"Of course. Pakunoda is still doing outside research on her background but so far, I found out that she's one of the most respected and top students in her old school. Even here at ours, if you haven't noticed, she's gained almost all of the teachers' respect."
And probably the students' too if I would leave her alone.
"Also, she's the daughter of Welthe company's CEO. That's all I've learned so far. Her info is tight. Maybe Pakunoda will have more info on her soon." Shalnark busily typed at his laptop again.
"Welthe company... Isn't Welthe the CEO's family name?" I speculated.
Shalnark stopped typing for a moment then nodded.
"Then... why is her last name 'Rosette'?" I asked thoughtfully.
Shalnark kept silent as we probably both reached a conclusion. We only looked each other in the eyes which confirmed our thoughts.
"Here, you can keep the bento as a reward. Make sure to return the container to me." I said and left, somewhat satisfied with my discovery.
On my way to my classroom, I found Lilianne and Jonathan still standing where I left them. Many people were looking and passing by. Getting closer, I realized that there's a girl who's having a stare down with them, specifically with Lilianne. The girl was obviously a senior and she looked at Lilianne with this amused yet demented smile. Then she spoke, her voice and tone sweet yet venomous.
"It's very nice to see you again... my dear half-sibling"
