Elijah, Minako, & Kayla
Heading to Old East → Heading to Old West → Kayla’s Dorm RoomInteracting with;Each other
@BeastofDestiny@ThundercrashMood;Minako:Nervous → Embarrassed → Confused → Solemn/Determined → Surprised/Concerned → Self-depricating → Relaxed → Embarrassed → Relaxed → Curious → Awestruck/Admiring → Relaxed → Nervous → Concerned -> Motherly Elijah: Thoughtful/Questioning → Concerned → Interrogative → Warning → InvestigativeKayla: Dazed → Remorseful → Comforted/Cheered → Embarassed → Talkative → Worried/Inviting/Accommodating → Nervous/Opening → Reminiscing → Honest/Dreaming → Speechless/Mixed/Thankful → Concerned/Encouragin → Relating → Concerned/Inviting → Recollecting → Comforted/Safe/Sleepy
The first couple minutes after leaving the infirmary was as quiet and awkward as Minako had expected. As… stimulating the previous conversation had been, she still didn’t really know who this man was. And it was time to rectify that; he didn’t seem inclined to break the silence himself.
”Um, I don’t think we were properly introduced.” She stopped and gave him a short bow.
”My name is Minako Ikeda, and I am new to Mayweather. It is a pleasure to meet you.”Elijah turned to face the young woman,
”Elijah Masterson, student of Delphina, also new to Mayweather, likewise.” He gave her a respectful bow of his head then continued along their path. He found today to be rather unusual, having to interact with so many individuals was an uncommon occurrence for him. Usually Elijah spent his time alone, away from others, yet the day’s events called him to action, they required attention, observation, interaction. Even now was an interaction worth investigating; like how the new girl met Gianna already.
”I take it you’ve already met Gianna then? Considering your reaction earlier, I’m curious as to how you managed to stumble into her so quickly.”Minako flushed slightly at the memory, and she turned her head away to hide it.
”That would be… more accurate than you realize. I was looking for the Residence Office, and when I got distracted, I ran into her.” The scarlet colour in her cheeks deepened.
”Literally. Which lead to myself making eye contact with her and… activating my power.” Minako bit her lip.
”Still, she was nice enough to forgive me for my mistake, and even helped me find my dorm.” She decided not to mention the demonstration of her power that she had given the senior. The memory warmed her in ways that still left her confused.
She tried to hide it, but even Elijah could see the flourishing aura within her, the amount of embarrassment and arousal. Was she enraptured with Gianna? What power did she have that could cause such emotion to emit from her? More curious, if Minako had indeed activated a power against Gianna, why wouldn’t she have retaliated? Two possible explanations, either she wasn’t interested enough to deal with it...yet. Or perhaps she had other plans that would benefit her in the end with Minako’s help. Either way, it wasn’t good and unfortunately the girl had walked straight into a trap, right into the siren’s den.
”Unfortunate.” was all he stated,
”Unfortunate that you made your way onto her radar…”Frowning, Minako looked at the other boy in confusion.
Unfortunate? “Um, what do you mean by that?””It's only your first day, but you seem quite taken with her, so I'll ask you a question. How well, do you think you know Gianna?”For a moment, Minako was silent, pondering the question.
”Not at all, really. I haven’t had the chance to get to know her, so I am not sure what you mean when you say that I am “taken” with her. I will admit that I would like to know her better, so that I can make things up to her.””Bodies are like open books to me and though you try to hide it, your text is quite visible. That is aside the point though, the real question is, how deep down the rabbit hole will you go? How much do you truly wish to know of the Despot Queen of Delphina?” Gianna was a force to be reckoned with and he felt he should prepare the young woman for the trials ahead of her, but only if she wanted to know. Otherwise, she would be on her own.
The more that Elijah spoke, the less that Minako was certain that she liked him. On the one hand, the manner in which he talked about people seemed to be down right rude. On the other…
”There is something that you must understand.” She stopped, fixing
Elijah was a gaze that was equal parts remorseful and steelly.
”I have already done Gianna great injury. My power allows me to connect with another person’s body and alter their senses. When the connection is made, there is a reciprocal reaction that the other person experiences. In Gianna’s case, I have good reason to believe that she relived the emotions she felt when her boyfriend died.” Minako's expression fell slightly.
”It was entirely an accident, and not my intention to occur. Gianna has since forgiven me, but I cannot allow such an injury to go unredeemed. I need to make it up to her, otherwise I would not be able to face her or or others honourably.” A solid core built in Minako’s chest, and she squared herself a little.
”If there is a way for me to help her, then I must do it.””I’ve underestimated your knowledge then, but I must ask, how you intend to rectify such an error?” His gaze was just as cold if he had one, but his presence more than made up for the lack of eyes,
”His death, Vincent’s death, was probably the most traumatic experience she has ever undergone, its changed her in ways I cannot possibly describe and though I have no idea how your power works, you made her relive that experience. How does one make up for experiencing the same death twice?”At this point droplets of rain began to fall from the heavens, they had an unusual essence about them...sorrow? Tears of an angel lost perhaps? Though Elijah didn’t believe in such fantasies, there was always the possibility.
”Well?””In all honesty?” She looked up at the sky as it began to rain, her previous confidence giving way to uncertainty.
”I do not know. There is something that my father has often told me: to be truly successful in business and in life, you do not give people what they want. Find out what they need, and then make yourself the best option from which to get it.” Minako looked again at Elijah.
”That is why I wish to get to know her better, so that I might determine what she truly needs. It is as often as not that we do not even know this ourselves, especially after a loss. Does this answer your question?”Perhaps, the young woman would be fine on her own,
”Wise words Ms. Ikeda, if you believe yourself strong enough to do such an insurmountable task, then you will receive no qualms from me. However, you interact with Gianna and I made a promise to an old friend, know that I will be watching, and waiting.” Before he could continue he felt something slam into him before a small ‘ooph’ resounded and as he turned to face it another presence had made itself known. Elijah was fairly unfazed by whoever had smashed into him but...there was a slurry of emotions running through this young woman.
”Are you quite alright Miss?”Rubbing her head, Kayla looked up to find the intimidating presence of a robed man in front of her with some other girl next to him,
”I-I-I-I’m sorry I was, just not…” ’I wasn’t paying attention, I’m upset, I feel betrayed,’ these were the thoughts flying in Kayla’s head. She was about ready to break down and cry.
”There’s no need to be upset, you’re alright,” Elijah extended his hand to the woman,
”What’s your name?””K-Kayla,” She timidly reached up for the boy’s hand and he helped lift her up so she was standing upright once again, though somewhat shaking.
”I’m Elijah, this is Minako,” he gestured towards the other girl. Looking in the direction she came from, he was curious and asked,
”Were you just at the party?”Minako’s eyes flicked over the newcomer, and she gave a quick bow before stepping forward and placing her hand on the girl’s shoulder. Something clearly had her in great distress.
”What happened?”Kayla’s eyes flickered between the two,
”Y-yes I...I came from there and…” Her eyes started welling up,
”I’m so stupid, it was awful! Gianna and Samantha, they got into a fight and she...she did something, I don’t know what!” The tears started flowing freely now.
Instantly, Minako slipped into “big sister” mode, standing in front of the girl and placing both hands on her shoulders.
”Shhh, it's okay. It's alright. Take a deep breath, let it out. You're alright, let yourself relax.” She kept her voice low and soothing, careful to keep her eyes fixed on the girl’s forehead; the last thing this girl needed was Minako's power possibly making things worse for her.
”I see….” The woman was clearly upset and Gianna was partially the cause of it, though how this girl was involved was beyond his understanding or caring to know. He placed a hand on Minako’s shoulder, Kayla’s sniffling in the background,
”I believe we will have to continue this conversation at a later date, I have some personal business to attend to. For now though, I think Kayla here needs a friend, would you be so kind as to take her home? Thank you.” Without another word, Elijah made his way past the two of them, striding down the pathway towards the dormitories, he and Gianna needed to have a few words with one another.
”Elijah!” stepping away from Kayla for a moment, Minako looked at the departing boy.
”I understand that we have only just met, but I would like to make a request of you.” She paused for a moment.
”Please do not tell her of my intentions. If I am to determine what she needs, I must see how she truly is, not how she wishes me to see her. I would be very grateful, and perhaps, if I am successful, she may be as well.”’Spare me your pleasantries…’ the boy thought as he disappeared into the night, not another word spoken to either of them.
Minako pursed her lips. There was no indication that he had even heard her. She could only hope that he wouldn't say anything. Shaking her head, she turned back to her new companion, again placing her hands on the girl’s shoulders.
”Now, do you think you will be alright? Which way to your dorm? I assume that you live on campus here?” A part of her very much wanted to know what had happened between Gianna and this “Samantha” person, but the bigger issue was Kayla at the moment.
Kayla regained some of composure and wiped away the tears that dotted her eyes,
”Yea I think I’ll be alright..I live in the Old West Building, Room 3D, I...wait” Kayla squinted her eyes in the darkness to get a better look at Minako,
”Aren’t you that girl...from earlier? The one that bumped into…” It pained her to say the name, but hopefully this girl, Minako, would get the idea.
Flushing slightly as the memory, Minako looked off to the side. Hopefully that wasn't going to be all she was remembered for. She looked at the girl again, and yes, she did look slightly familiar, though Minako had been a little too preoccupied to have gotten a good look at her the first time.
”Ah, yes, that was me. See, you aren't the only person who gets distracted and bumps into people.” It was a poor joke and she knew it, but she had to try
something to hopefully put the girl at ease. Putting a little distance between them, she gently tugged at Kayla’s arm.
”Come, we should probably get out the rain before it truly starts coming down. We wouldn't want to get all wet and catch a cold.”Kayla laughed a little, it was a bad joke, but she appreciated those kind of jokes. Minako was right though, it was probably best if they got out of the rain before it really started coming down, though Kayla had a feeling about who had initially caused it.
”Yea, you’re probably right,” she followed her tugging and walked alongside her. The rain was really starting to come down now and she had to wonder how Samantha felt, but at the same time, thinking about it made her sick to her stomach knowing that she was probably partially to blame for her sorrow. Despite all that, she was slightly concerned about the fabric of her dress, it was made out of cotton after all… oh boy this would be awkward if she passed by someone….good thing it was dark enough out.
At first, the pair walked in silence, though every so often Minako would glance at the girl beside her. It was apparent that whatever had happened was still dwelling on her mind. So, she cast about for other subjects.
”So, how long have you been at Mayweather for?”She looked towards the other girl, a small smile on her lips,
”It’s only my second year here, most of the teachers are nice, the classes are good too, I’ve learned a lot just from being here, though truth be told it’s tough trying to learn how to be a hero…” ’Especially a hero with no powers…’ She fidgeted slightly, unsure if she should tell this new girl about her...lack of abilities. Instead she turned around and asked,
”And what about you? What year are you in?””First. I actually only just arrived today, so I am not very familiar with everything that’s happening. Are there any teachers I should prepare myself for?” Minako smiled back, happy to see that the other girl’s mood was improving. She had a rather pretty smile.
”Only Mrs. Lovelace really, she’s harsh and strict, but fair to her students. Outside of that though, she is a nice person and a great teacher.” It was weird, not moments ago she was ready to bawl her eyes out and now she was having a perfectly normal conversation with someone. It was...nice, and very different from her first meeting with GIa. The rain seemed to be coming down harder now and Kayla started picking up the pace,
”Come on, we’re almost there!”Now smiling broadly, Minako stopped to slip off her heels, before sprinting after Kayla and into the safety of the dorm building. When the pair stopped in the lobby to catch their breath, she couldn't help but giggle to herself. Today had been, by far, the strangest day of her life. If her first day was any indication, that her time at Mayweather certainly wasn't going to be boring.
When she glanced at the other girl, however, her heart thudded against her ribs. Her long hair was now a flat plastered mess around her face, and her dress was so thoroughly soaked that Minako had a very clear view of what lay underneath.
Flushing deeply, Minako whirled around and approached the elevator.
”Um, you said that you were on the third floor?””Mhmm,” Kayla starts wringing out her hair, getting rid of any excess water that’s in it, completely oblivious to Minako’s flushing. Her hair now damp, not wet, she slips off her flats and starts walking towards the elevator, pressing the button,
”You’re more than welcome to come up, it’d be nice to have the company, though I understand if you’re tired and want to go to your room instead.”When the elevator arrived with a soft “ding, Minako gestured for the other girl to enter first, then followed her inside, keeping eyes fixed on glowing number set above the buttons. She could still see Kayla's reflection off the doors in the corner of her vision, and she couldn't help but sneak a look.
”If it isn't too much of an imposition, I think I might try to wait out the rain. I'm in Old East.””Who knows when that's going to be Minako, Kayla frowns slightly, her heart sinking, she didn't want to send the poor girl back out into the rain and she didn't want her staying up hours for it to subside. She nodded her head in affirmation,
”I know we just met, but you're more than welcome to spend the night if you want,” she smiled as warmly as she could,
”I don't have another roommate, so it won't be any issue, my room is your room, so to speak.” She giggled to herself at that.
”Let’s see what the weather looks like in a while. Again, I wouldn’t want to impose, but your offer is very generous.” Minako shivered, wrapping her arms tight around herself.
”My own roommate is… interesting, from what little I know of her.””It's no imposition at all. Come on, let's get you out of that wet clothing, I'm sure I have something that you can wear.” Kayla led the way to her room as soon as the elevator doors opened. A short walk down the hall and she opened the door to her place, it was nice and quaint just like the other rooms, however instead of a second bed there was a giant metal container that replaced it. The technology looked like something that should have belonged in the control room, but it was actually the case that housed and charged her power armor.
The cold was starting to get to Kayla too so she was eager to start rifling through her drawers, and take off the clinging dress. She grabbed a couple of extra large baggy t-shirts, the kind that was just long enough to cover all her assets, but slightly too big that it slightly drooped down her shoulder. There was something comforting about wearing something so loose and it was a habit she formed as a child when she'd try on her father's shirts.
”I think this should be big enough,” she said, handing the shirt to Minako,
”I don't really have any pants or shorts suitable for sleeping I've…never really liked wearing pants to bed…is that weird?”Inspecting the room for a moment, Minako took notice of the crate.
Hmm. I wonder what is in there. She smiled as she grabbed one of the t-shirts.
”Not at all. My little sister has done it all her life.” Of course, she neglected to mention that Mei usually didn’t bother with the shirt, either. Nor did she, for that matter, but in this case it would be much more appropriate.
Slipping into the bathroom to change, she draped her t-shirt, skirt and bra over the shower curtain rail to dry. She had considered doing the same with her panties as well, until she pulled on the fresh t-shirt and found that it wasn’t quite long enough to completely cover her below the waist.
Hopefully she won’t mind. I mean, we are both girls.Kayla slipped out of her dress while Minako took off to the bathroom, unclasping her bra and taking off her panties she put the t-shirt on and went through her drawers for a clean pair of underwear. Fortunately the shirt was long enough to go down to her upper thigh, but she still felt it appropriate to wear her underwear with a guest in her room. Finding a clean pair she began to pull them on just as Minako walked back into the room.
”Um, it seems that I am just a bit bigger than you.” Minako smiled awkwardly, the hem of the t-shirt ending half-way up her groin.
She turned to look at the girl and smiled,
”It's alright, we're both girls here, hmm, how about...” She started rolling the hem of her shirt a little so that it reached up to halfway up her panties,
”There, now we're both a little big for our shirts,” She laughed.
Minako flushed slightly, but managed to smile.
”Um, thank you I suppose. I wouldn’t want to make you uncomfortable though.” She sat down on the bed, folding her legs beneath her.
”If you don’t mind my asking, what is in the box?”Kayla fidgeted nervously, unsure if she should answer, but as she looked at Minako a feeling told her
’You can trust her’.
”It's my…my suit” she said the last part rather quietly before realizing she couldn't say it out loud. She instead opted to show her and walked over to the case, pressing her hand on a panel it scanned her prints and then she placed her eye against a regional scanner; extra security.
The case then unlatched and opened up, revealing a bright silver suit of armor, both sleek and form fitting.
”I never said it earlier…but...I don't have any powers. To make up for it, I use this instead. she stated, her hand lightly touching the metal plating.
Curious, Minako moved to stand beside her, and her eyes widened as she took in the suit.
”Wow…” she whispered with evident awe in her voice. She almost missed the other girl’s words.
”This is yours? Where did you get it?””My dad made it for me, he's really good at making stuff like this,” she smiles, re-living the memory of when he unveiled it to her. She remembered being happier about it then, but now, she almost felt ashamed to be using it, like she was cheating at having powers. Her smile slowly faded,
”Not everyone can be so lucky I guess,” she stated, pressing a few buttons to close and lock the case again.
For a moment, Minako was silent, simply absorbing everything.
”If I may ask then, why are you here? What are you hoping to achieve?”Kayla bit her lip before nervously answering,
”I want to be a hero…isn't that enough?” Her eyes wandered to the floor,
”I know I don't have powers, not like my mom and dad, even my stupid little brother has powers, but...I grew up watching them, my parents I mean, being heroes that the world could rely on, could count on, I want that too, but…I'm just a powerless nobody…who'd want to call on a hero like that?” Again, Minako remained silent. Then, she did something that surprised Kayla. She turned, gently turned the girl by the shoulders so that they were facing each other, beamed, and trapped her in a tight embrace.
”I think you are the best kind of hero,” she whispered in her ear.
Kayla’s eyes widened, unexpectant of the warmth that suddenly enveloped her,
’I’m the...best kind of hero?’ she thought. A soft smile graced her lips as she hugged Minako back,
”I don’t know if I believe that Minako...but thank you all the same.” She said resting her chin on the taller girl’s shoulder. This was...rather strange, she barely knew this girl, but felt like she could trust her and her judgement, even if she wasn’t willing to believe in herself, at least somebody believed in her and maybe...that wasn’t such a bad thing. Relieving herself from the embrace she smiled at Minako, feeling like maybe, she found a new friend.
Flushing again, Minako rubbed her arm.
”Ah, m-my apologies. That was very forward of me. It is just…” she smiled nervously,
”I think you may actually have it easier than the others at this academy.”Kayla eyed the girl curiously,
”What do you mean?””I mean…” casting about for the right words, Minako bit her lip.
”How do I say… Everyone else here as powers. It is easy to use them to accomplish what we desire. My own powers activate whenever I make eye contact with someone.” She glanced at the girl, careful to keep her eyes at her mouth.
”Because it is so easy to use them, it is easy to so without thinking. We have to make the effort to not use them. I have only had my powers for two years, and I miss being able to look people in the eye without triggering a reaction in them. You, however, cannot do this. In order for you to stand on the same level, you have to make the effort, to think about what it is you wish to achieve and how to do so. You could have made any other choice, I am sure that you had many. But you chose to be here.”She risked raising her eyes just a little, focusing on Kayla’s nose.
”I think it is very noble of you, and shows greater strength than any other person I have seen thus far.”Kayla wasn’t sure what to say, she felt...speechless...all the time she had spent here she had been bullied and belittled for her lack of powers and here someone was telling her that, just by her being here, without any powers, she had great power. She wanted to laugh or cry or jump for joy, something, anything. Thinking back on it, she did have other choices, she could have worked her mom’s flower shop, or studied science with her dad, even gone to a normal school, but instead she wanted to be a hero, she chose to be a hero, even if others didn’t see her as one because of her lack of powers, at least someone in the world looked up at her with a smile and cheer in her voice.
”Thank you Minako, really, I mean it.”Now that Minako had mentioned it, Kayla did notice her gaze constantly shifting everywhere but at her eyes,
”I know it must be hard, not being able to look someone in the eye anymore, but I know you’ll get a hold of your own powers someday and maybe, you’ll be able to look into mine someday too.” A big reassuring smile plastered itself across her face.
Beaming, Minako closed her eyes and smiled.
”I hope so as well. If you don’t mind my asking, who is your father? Perhaps I have heard of him?””Dr. Brennan Styles, I’d be surprised if you hadn’t,” she stated,
”His research is extremely reputable, my suit is proof enough itself,” she pointed towards the case,
”I think he’s working on some government project right now, but outside of that I’m not sure what else, why do you ask?”Minako opened her eyes, staring at the girl’s chin.
”Your...your father, is the head of Plasman Labs?””So you have heard of him?”She hastily nodded.
”He’s a client of ours! I believe the contract was signed about a year ago. It was one of the few deals that was closed rather quickly.” Minako was stunned. What were the odds of encountering somebody linked to her family’s company here?
”Really? I had no idea. That’s pretty cool though, our dad’s know each other, even if it's just through business.””I briefly met him when the contract was signed. His creations are amazing.” Glancing to the window, Minako frowned. There was definitely no sign of the rain letting up. It would seem that she would be spending the night after all.
”It appears to be getting late. Perhaps we should determine sleeping arrangements?””I uh...don’t have another bed, but you’re more than welcome to sleep in mine with me, I don’t mind.” Kayla smiled as she walked over to her bed, pulling down the covers before climbing in. She moved over to the side before patting the spot next to her.
Minako swallowed hard, briefly catching a glimpse of the other girl’s bottom as she clambered in.
”Um, are you sure?””It’s alright, I don’t mind, I’d rather have you in my bed than sleeping on the floor or going out into the rain,” she said pointing towards the window.
After a moment, Minako nodded slowly. The other girl seemed genuine in her concern, not appearing to have any other interest other than her guest’s comfort.
”A-alright. As long as you are okay with it.” Calm down, Minako. It’s just like when Mei got woken up by a thunderstorm. Juuust like it. She carefully slipped in beside the girl, pausing to turn off the lights, making sure to keep at least a little space between them.
Kayla pulled the covers over the two of them,
”Do you have enough room? These dorm beds aren’t exactly the most sizable.””It is fine.” For a long while, Minako laid on her back, looking up at the ceiling, chewing thoughts over in her mind.
”Kayla?””Hm?” Kayla mumbled, shifting slightly on her side.
Hesitating, Minako turned her head to look at the other girl, keeping her gaze high.
”I will understand if you don’t wish to talk about it… but… could you… tell me what happened? At the party?”Kayla clutched her pillow a little more tightly, and even though it was hard, she felt she could tell Minako about it,
”Did you ever try to defend someone...who really didn’t need to be defended at all?” She started,
”I don’t fully understand why it happened, but...Samantha, she’s a senior here at Mayweather, suddenly attacked Gianna, she looked like she was about ready to tear into her, shred her into a thousand pieces, I stepped in the way to defend her. Gia told me she was going to be alright, but...that I wouldn’t like what she was going to do next. She was sure right about that...” Her eyes closed recalling the memory.
”She did something, used her powers I guess to clear a space so only Sam and a couple of others were there. Then she started talking, saying all these words, the difference between a hero and a villain, I thought maybe, is Gianna going to fight her? She didn’t...she did something much worse. She only talked, but it was like her words were daggers, they tore right through Sam, and then there was this other couple, they kissed each other and it looked like Sam’s heart broke into a thousand pieces...that’s when the rain started…” She turned over so she could look at Minako,
”I still don’t fully understand why any of that happened tonight...but I felt like such an idiot defending someone who could...be so cruel..I’m not sure if I’m deserving of your praise of being noble...I sure don’t feel it right now…”At first, Minako had no words, all she could do was turn and prop herself up on one arm to look at the girl laying beside her.
Was this what Elijah had been about to warn me of? Biting her lip, she laid back down and wrapped one arm around the girl’s midsection, pulling her against her and tucking Kayla’s head under her chin.
”Shhh, it’s okay. You didn’t do anything wrong.” She mulled over the situation for a moment.
”I’m sorry. I’m sure there was a reason behind what happened. There always is. It’s okay.”Kayla listened to Minako’s heartbeat, the steady sound of her breathing and suddenly, she felt very tired,
”I hope you’re right about that Minako, I really do.” As if on cue, darkness enveloped her, and Kayla was fast asleep in her friend’s embrace.
”How about this. You and I, when we aren’t in classes, will go find Gianna and talk to her, figure out what happened. Okay?” Minako glanced down, and a small smile crossed her face as she took in the now slumbering girl.
Just like with Mei. She pressed her lips to Kayla’s hair, then slipped away from her and turned around, letting the smaller girl roll away from her.
”Oyasumi, Kayla.”
