Chapter 3: Emptiness
“KIRA YAMATO! C'MON! I'M GOING TO BE LATE!” I yelled as I tugged on his translucent t-shirt.
“I changed my mind! I d-don't want to go anymore!” Kira argued back as he was clinging onto my bedpost with all of his might.
I stopped pulling and stared at him in disbelief. “Why? What is wrong with you? Yesterday morning, you pleaded me to take you along and now you don't want to go?” I demanded with a huff. “Seriously! I felt guilty about shutting you at home yesterday, but if you don't want to go, then forget it! Just don't expect me to give you the chance to come with me ever again!” I hissed as I grabbed my backpack and slammed my door in anger.
I then stormed downstairs in a foul mood. I was only trying to be nice, but he didn't even want to take up my offer. But at the same time, I couldn't help but feel suspicious; Kira loved going outside whenever he had the chance and he liked going to school with me in the past, so why would he refuse to budge today? Did something happen to him yesterday that I was unaware of? I sighed. “Bye mom, I'll see you later,” I said as I was about to close the door when a frantic voice called out my name, “Wait Cagalli!”
I stopped as I noticed Kira with a nervous expression, zoom down the stairs. “I-i well... I decided to c-come along,” he said quietly.
I gave a small nod as Kira floated outside and I shut the door. “Alright, let's go now, I'm going to be late if we don't get moving!” I said in a hurry as I took off, with poor Kira dangling off the handle of my backpack.
“C-c-cagalli...! S-slow down!” Kira complained as the world was zooming around before his eyes.
I ignored him. “Your fault for delaying me in the first place! Almost there!” I said shortly as I continued to run.
I heard the bell ring and noticed that the black metal gate was about to close. “HOLD THAT GATE!” I screamed as the gatekeeper stared at me in surprise.
But fortunately for me, he did hold it open for me as I ran through. “Thanks!” I said quickly as I entered my school with a Kira who's eyes were full of dizzy swirls
-----
Some moments earlier but at some place else... “Did you call me?” asked a gentle feminine voice.
“Yes, I did,” answered a male baritone voice as he looked away from the windows. “There is a strange girl that I met the other day that goes to my school. The feeling about her is well, unusual... if you could, I would like you to help me investigate this girl,”
A small smile appeared on a silvery face. “Yes, I will do my best,” answered the same gentle voice as she bowed and left the room.
The boy smiled. “Well, time for school, can't be late now,” he said as he also left the room with shadows covering his face.
Back at school... I quickly rushed to my locker and grabbed my binders for my class and ran down the halls, knowing I was just on time. “C-cagalli! Slow down...” Kira moaned as he held the helm of my t-shirt.
I turned around the corner and suddenly I bumped into someone, resulting me falling butt first. Owww... what did I run into? “HEY! THAT HU-Zala?!” I said in surprise as I saw emerald orbs look down at me in shock.
“Sorry about that, I didn't see you. Anyway, here's your books,” he said as he quickly gathered up my notebooks and binders.
I was so surprised to see him that I forgot about my anger for him yesterday. “T-thanks...” I said as I quickly got up and took them.
“C'mon! We're going to be late,” Athrun said quickly as we sped down the hall.
I stopped for a moment, remembering about Kira and looked around. Where did he go? He was just here with me a moment ago.. “What's wrong?” I heard Athrun ask.
“N-nothing...” I said as I continued to speed-walk to my class. “Let's go,”
“You're late! Do you have any idea what time it is?” Ms Ramius demanded, with a peeved-looking expression.
Athrun and I bowed apologetically. “Sorry Ms. Ramius... it won't happen again,” we chorused.
Ms Ramuis gave a stern nod before saying, “Detention during lunch for the two of you,” she said. “Now, return to your seats,”
I walked silently back to my seat and gave Athrun my most hateful glare; it was his fault that I was late. If I hadn't bumped into him, then I wouldn't have detention. Athrun gave me a smirk and turned his attention towards the front. I gritted my teeth angrily and gazed out my window, trying to ignore Meer's hushed, but still shrill voice talking to Athrun as if she had not seen him for days. I noticed that the sky was turning gray quite quickly and that the clouds were gathering as well. But that wasn't what was bothering me; where did Kira go? It was unusual for Kira to take off without letting me know. I sighed, this was going to be a long class...
-----
With Kira at the time of the incident... “Whew! I'm extremely glad I got out of the way in time...” Kira remarked as soon as he noticed the two run to class.
“It was that guy from yesterday... the one that was able to see me. If he had seen me, I would've been in trouble,” he mumbled as he floated down another hallway.
He sighed as he rubbed his translucent chocolate brown hair. “Well... what should I do now? I don't think I can barge into Cagalli's class now since that guy is with her, but really... why is he able to see me?” he whispered to himself as he opened the door and floated back outside.
As a raindrop landed on his nose, Kira looked up to see that the rain was beginning to fall. “Oh wonderful.. it's raining,” he said sarcastically. “I... don't really get this ghost business sometimes. I mean, yeah I know I'm supposed to be Cagalli's little ghost friend and I can only actually touch (without my hand going through!) people who've either also witnessed the death of others or those who are spirit reapers.. but I would hate to meet the latter,”
“Yet I can still be soaked to the core with water, I can touch solid objects and my feet can touch the ground if I really wanted to... this isn't all that much different from being alive..” Kira whispered sadly as he planted his feet to the ground and began to walk around the school while being in the rain.
“The only difference is.. that I can't speak or have anything to do with those who cannot see ghosts such as me and that I'll never be able to talk to my mom or my dad ever again...” He sighed and turned even more gray.
Kira began to sprint a little, feeling weighed down on his emotions. And as he turned the corner, he felt something solid bump against his body. “Owww...” murmured a soft, gentle voice.
“E-eh.. s-sorry!” Kira said apologetically as he bowed without thinking.
As Kira blinked, he saw that the person he had bumped into wasn't human, but a ghost as well. It was a girl about his age with long translucent cherry blossom hair and clear baby blue eyes. She looked at him in surprise as she was still on the ground. “H-here.. take my hand,” Kira said, still in shock as he offered to help her up.
“Thanks,” the girl replied as Kira pulled her up to her feet and then brushed off some dirt on her translucent white tank top and lavendar skirt.
“I didn't mean to .. uh you know, make you lose your footing,” Kira said in embarassment.
The girl gave him a gentle smile. “It's okay, I understand,” but then her smile faded. “But why were you crying?” she asked, with concern in her voice.
Kira looked at her in surprise. He blinked before realizing that his eyes were moist. I was crying? I had thought that it was the rain that was falling down.. I must look like an idiot; crying for no reason.. Before he could give any excuse, the girl took out a small translucent handkerchief and dabbed at the corners of Kira's eyes. “There... I'm pretty sure it was the rain,” she said kindly.
Kira lowered his gaze in embarassment and mutter a 'thanks'. The girl smiled. “I'm Lacus Clyne, by the way,” she said cheerfully.
Kira looked up and a light tint of blush covered his face. Wow... she's not only extremely pretty, but she has a beautiful name as well! He thought but then mentally slapped himself as there was a silent pause. Well say something or else this girl will think you're nuts! “I'm K-kira... Kira Yamato,” he stammered.
Lacus's smile didn't fade, but if even possible, her smile widened at his uncomfortable expression. “Pleased to meet you, Kira.. you're the first ghost I've met in this town,” she said.
Kira blinked. “O-oh really? Well... does that mean you are new to this area?” he asked as he began to feel a little better.
Lacus nodded her pink head. “Yes, I just recently moved here... if you don't mind, could we maybe go someplace where it isn't soaking us to the core?” she asked politely.
Kira's eyes widened as he just realised that they had been chatting in the rain. “Y-yeah! I mean.. of course..” he said as he lead her back into the school.
-----
Back with me... The school bell signaled the end of the first half and now, it was lunch time. I watched glumly as I saw every student going out towards the cafeteria. “Now.. Ms Athha and Mr Zala, the two of you will sit here in silence doing nothing while I will go have my lunch break,” Ms Ramius said as she also headed out the door.
I gave a big sigh as I looked out the window. It was a habit of mine; to stare outside during both classes and detention. But the worst part was that I was trapped in detention with the one person who I honestly hated. I noticed through the reflection that Athrun was looking at me with a small crooked smile. “Zala!” I muttered angrily as I turned to face him.
The small crooked smile turned into a big smirk. “What?” he asked innocently.
My eyes narrowed. “Don't 'what' me! I know what you were doing!” I said as I felt a vein pulse.
“May I ask what I was doing?” he asked, still with the innocent tone.
“You were staring!” I accused as I gave him an evil glare.
Athrun rolled his eyes. “Ooooh! I was staring! What a crime!” he said sarcastically.
“It is a crime after all, you're the one who landed me in detention!” I howled in fury as his facial expression was begining to tick me off.
Athrun shrugged. “Not my fault you were also running late; it was a mere coincidence that I ran into you and that you dropped your books,” he said cascually. Then his smirk widened. “Or was it that you wanted to be in detention with me?”
If looks could kill, Athrun Zala would long be gone. “ZALA! WHY YO-!” I slapped him across the cheek out of anger.
Athrun gave me a look of shock and surprise as he lifted a hand up to his cheek which had a red hand mark. Our heads turned as we heard someone walk in and it turned out to be Ms Ramius.
“Ms. Athha! What is the matter with you today? I only came back to get my keys, but here I find you being disruptive. Usually, you're a good student, but today... you seem out of character. Your new place is now on the other side of the classroom. Move there!” she ordered.
I swallowed hard as I picked up my books and moved towards the other side of the classroom. Ms Ramius went to her desk to grab what she needed and slipped out the door. But before she went, she looked back on the two of us, but eyed me especially. “No talking,” she said before closing the door.
As I sat back down, I looked at my red hand in shock. I didn't mean to have slapped him; I just... lost control. I swallowed in guilt as my eyes drifted to a midnight haired boy. His hand was no longer at his reddened cheek, but he didn't meet my eyes. I also lowered my gaze onto the desk and swallowed. I knew that I had to apologize, but my mouth went dry as soon as I tried to open my mouth to say those words.
The rest of the detention was done in uncomfortable silence between the two of us. The rest of classes in the afternoon weren't any better either. Everytime I turned my eyes so that they would land on Athrun, I noticed that he had a cold exterior on. I guess.. I really did go overboard... No wonder. He must hate me. I thought as my mind was unable to focus on class. I guess things would go back to normal, like before he came to our school. It was a while before I realised that I had been sitting there while the bell had rang long ago. I better go find Kira.. I said to myself as I gathered my books and dropped them off at my locker.
-----
With Kira... “Ah! The bell rang!” Kira said as soon as he saw students filing out.
Lacus looked at him quizzically. Kira bowed. “I'm sorry Lacus, but it's time for me to go now... it was a pleasure... to get the chance to meet someone like you,” he said.
Lacus smiled, her warm smile. “Pleasure is all mine,” she curtisied. “I had fun as well; you're a kind ghost... one of the kindest I've met,” she admitted.
Kira's face turned translucent pink as he blushed at her compliment. “T-thanks,” he stammered.
“Well! I won't hold you back any longer. May we meet again some time,” she said as Kira gave her a nod of agreement before leaving.
“Wow! This has been a really great day! Not only I met a ghost who's actually my age, not extremely older or extremely younger, but she's extremely pretty! But... I have to find Cagalli before she blows her top!” Kira said as his dreamy smile faded and ran outside.
-----
Back with me.. As soon as I opened the door, I noticed a ghostly figure run past. “Kira!” I called out.
Kira immediately skidded as soon as he heard his name being called. “Ah! Cagalli! There you are; I've been looking for you,” he said as he floated to where I was.
I gave a small nod. “Let's go home now, I'm tired,” I spoke softly as Kira gave me a quizzical look.
“Well, if that's what you want,” he said with a bit of suspicion.
I nodded again and went back home in silence. Later that night, Kira looked at me in concern. “Are you okay, Cags? You've been really quiet ever since we got home,” he said worriedly.
I nodded as I laid on my bed. “I'm fine. Like I said, I'm just tired... will you turn out the lights?” I asked.
Kira nodded as he did what he was told, but as he floated towards the moonlight that crept into my room he thought, Cagalli's acting really strange.. what happened to her? I mean, she's really out of character! I thought that she would give me heck of a lecture for running off like that earlier.. but nothing! Maybe she really is just tired... hopefully things would be better tomorrow.
But things weren't 'better' the next day or the day after that. Even though Athrun and I were in almost every class together, he wouldn't meet my eye. It was offical; he really did hate me now. I was drowned in guilt and felt an emptyness inside of me. Did that Zala really have such an effect on me? I've only known him for a week! On the third day, as I dejectly gathered my books to go home, I realized that it was raining as soon as I opened the door. “Oh great! I didn't bring an umbrella!” I muttered angrily as I held up my backpack as a cover.
As I was about to run as fast as I could through the heavy rain, I heard someone call my name. “Athha!”
I turned around and my eyes widened at the sight of Meer Campbell racing towards me. “Oooh Athha... I saw that you don't have an umbrella! Would you like a ride home in my Carrera?” she asked in a high-pitched voice.
I narrowed my eyes in suspicion. “Why are you offering me a ride? You don't like me, remember?” I spoke flatly.
Meer gave a small laugh. “I know, but I thought that maybe I could patch our distant relationship a little, like start calling me Meer for instance” she said as sweet as possible.
I lowered my gaze. I didn't know whether Meer meant it or not. “Well I don't know... would it be a lot of trouble?” I said finally.
Meer shook her pink head. “Nope! C'mon! It's in the parking lot on the other side of school!” she said as she dragged me back into the building.
I shrugged as I allowed myself to be dragged by her. Maybe she changed for the better? I thought as we eventually reached the other side of the school in no time. We exited the doors and went through the rain. “Oh! Silly me! I forgot where I parked my Carrera! I remembered it was somewhere near that tree.. could you please go and see if my car is there?” Meer said in her high-pitched voice.
I sighed. I didn't really want to walk home soaked to the core, so I agreed. I rushed out through the heavy rain and peered around for her car. Through the greyness of the atmosphere, I couldn't see any Carrera at all... until my eyes fell on a red car. “Hey Meer, I think I see-” my sentence was cut off as I felt a strong push from my backside.
I fell to the ground hard and mud splattered against my clothes. I reopened my eyes to see what had happened and saw Meer standing before me with 5 other girls. “Wha?” I questioned as I saw all evil glances directed at me.
“Stupid girl.. you actually thought that I wanted to be friends with you? Pul-lease!” Meer sneered as she crouched down and gripped the back of my hair tightly.
I winced as I felt pain through my head. I struggled to stand up, but my legs were failing me. I tried to defend myself, but it was 5 against 1. Meer released my hair and beckoned another girl forward. That girl kicked me hard on my sides so that I landed next to the tree. “For someone's who supposed to be smart, you sure are stupid! I can't believe you fell for that act! How pathetic! We all HATE you!” she screeched.
I coughed as I accidentally took in some mud. Someone threw rocks at me as I tried to shield myself. It cut me in many places and I winced slightly. “You're getting too smug with Athrun! He belongs to us, not you! He doesn't need trash like you!” a redheaded girl cried as she slapped me hard across the face.
The back of my head slammed against the tree and I fell into a world of darkness. But before I lost consciousness, I heard a familiar voice yell out my name.
