spirit medium;;

About three weeks now? Isuke couldn’t count the days for they all started to blur together. But she knew that it hadn’t been too long…however, it felt like an eternity. She couldn’t say that though; she’d gladly tell this girl to keep her head low, don’t look so trusting and don’t be fucking stupid — but to say that only a couple weeks felt like forever? Such words presented a harsh reality that Isuke fought back with tooth and nail every day.

Deep thoughts for just walking some dumb suitcases to a dumb cabin.

Speaking of which, here they were now! Isuke let out a breath through tight lips as she nudged open the door with her shoulder, allowing herself inside first to set down the bags. 

It would have been impossible to not catch the sarcasm that was laced with Isuke’s words, but Fiore remained neutral, not wanting to start anything unnecessary with someone she had just met moments ago. “I suppose so…” she began. Maybe to lessen the tension, she should thank the other girl for the help now! “Thank you for carrying my luggage for me! You really saved me, and I’m truly thankful!”

While he did manage to realize those exact same things in the moments he took to make his little speech, it was still different to hear it from someone else. It was uplifting, and it made his chest feel all warm and fuzzy. He found strength in Fiore’s words, and strength was something he desperately needed in this dumb excuse of a vacation island.

"I-it’s not really that big of a deal…" He stammered, eyes darting all over the library. He was too flustered to look at Fiore straight in the eye. "I’m… just glad that I can help out, somehow!" He swallowed, suddenly really self conscious; probably because Fiore’s choice in words flattered him quite a bit. She really was too nice.

"A-and…" A deep breath, “I can’t be more honored to be friends with you, too! Thank you.”.

He blinked when Fiore mentioned the sad look he had earlier. Oh— did she actually see— Alba’s face turned red.

"It wasn’t really— anything sad? Uh…" He scrambled to try and put a coherent sentence together. "I just remembered how a friend of mine was a great hero, was all— I guess I just miss everyone back at home. You don’t have to apologize for that."

“A friend—ah—I-I see!” A slight pause to let the information sink in for herself. She, too, missed those from her home, but it was also a good thing that they weren’t here for she wouldn’t want them to have to go through any of this.

“Your friend who was a great hero—do you look up to him? What’s he like?” She inquired, intent on getting to know Alba better now that they were friends. This way, she hopes to be able to prevent causing Alba any further uneasiness in the future. “Oh—and what’s your favorite color? And food? Ah—hold on—!” She takes out her messenger and opens up the Notes app to record his answers for future reference. She may have been way too into it and lament about her own pushiness later on when she reflects on today’s events.

He listened to her every word, however, and couldn’t help but let out a small “oooh” as she proceeded to explain her own circumstances for getting accepted. Despite how lowly Fiore seemed to view her own title, Alba was thoroughly impressed.

"That’s not true!" He reassured her. "If you were chosen for such a high position, then that means that you must have something special about you. I don’t think they’d just pick someone out randomly for something like that!" He paused, trying to get his thoughts together.

"Besides, even if it was just by chance, it still means that there are people in your clan who would look up to you and depend on you! And even then, you’re carrying all of them on your shoulders. I mean, I guess yeah, on surface level it doesn’t sound all that impressive in comparison to what the others get accepted here for, but I think that being considered as the Super High School Level Heir simply means that you’ve got all the skills to be a great leader!" He grinned at her, scratching at his cheek. "And I think that’s amazing!"

It was a little embarrassing to go on a long winded speech like that, but he truly wanted Fiore to realize just how amazing she was. Their titles carried similar meanings, after all, and while to an outsider they may have been two people who were simply given a title with nothing to vouch for it, to be considered as the greatest Heir or Hero simply meant that there were people out there who depended on you and respected you for what you have; and even if there weren’t, it simply meant that they both still had the capacity and skill to be given the honor (though, by now it seemed more like terrible luck) to be accepted into the school for those skills alone.

“Thank you…” she began quietly. If anything, Alba did seem very hero-like to Fiore at the moment. Alba seemed like a more ideal leader than herself in her eyes as well—to be able to so easily cheer her up and come up with a genuine and moving speech within just a few moments… She didn’t voice these thoughts out loud though, since that would probably seem like the purpose of his speech just flew over her head. “Um… I think Alba is the same! Even if you think you’re far from being a true hero—to be accepted here as one would mean you also have all the skills needed to be a great hero… I’m sure back where you are from, you already have people looking up to you as one, right?”

“Even if you can’t think of anyone, maybe you just don’t know it yet, but I’m sure you’ve saved many people one way or another—they probably have… different means of showing their gratitude.” In a way, Fiore believes Alba also saved her--from her feelings of loneliness and self-depreciation just within their first meeting. “To me at least, I think Alba’s a really incredible person—just like a hero… so… um… thank you. I'm really grateful to have met you and to have become your friend.”

He was putting the thought aside for now, however, concealing himself in the library. The smell of old, dusty old book put him at ease as he casually walked through the aisles, picking out books that would interest him. There was a wide range of books, from Thoreau to Emerson. And of course, works from one of his favorite novelists, Takatsuki Sen. 

Kaneki slowly strode through the aisle where he could find one of his favorite novels, The Black Goat’s Egg. Ever since he had become a ghoul, he found a strong love for the novel, connecting himself to the protagonist of the story. The protagonist’s struggle with the depravation of his own mother reminded Kaneki of his mom, who died because of overworking himself. He can also feel himself steeping low in his mental states, just as the main character of the story has. 

Picking up the book, he scanned through the pages to make sure nothing was missing. Noting that all the pages were intact, Kaneki turned to head back to his seat but almost bumped into a girl who silently appeared next to him. Her sudden arrival startled him a bit, but he wasn’t dismayed— it was a pleasant sight to see young ones interested in books. Gathering his composure, he gently placed a smile on his face. 

Given her already short height that was worsened with having to sit in a wheelchair all day, there were multiple instances where she’d found a book that she wanted to read, but had to give up because she could not reach it. One of these instances took place today, where she had her eyes on a Bibliotheca written by Apollodorus—or rather, Pseudo-Apollodorus—but was about to give up since it seemed that no matter how much she stretched and strained her arm, she would never reach it.

That was only to be expected though; it was already foolish that she would even try to reach something from the top shelf in her state.

However, since the male had offered her help, it should be fine to accept it. She nodded earnestly, pointing to one of the more fragile books of the library—a book titled Bibliotheca. Ex recognitione Immanuelis Bekkeri. “The… Bibliotheca… please.” She requested timidly.

It was strange being on this island, except she didn’t want to question it yet. It seemed as if no one else was anyway. Then again, she didn’t truly bother to explore the world. There were still so many places for her eyes to see. When she wasn’t at the library, she was either outside under a tree or in her own room. Almost everyday, Maka was slowly getting tired of it. What made it worse was her best friend not being by her side. Still, she was going to get used to the feeling without him sooner or later.

As she was on her way to the library, she had a book in her hand and opened the door with the other. Half the time, she found herself to be alone in the area since nobody wanted to read books as much as she did. Until, this time. When the door was fully opened, the first thing she noticed was someone else here. Not that it bothered the girl. Not wanting to be rude, she showed a smile then waved before entering more into the room.

Getting closer, she sat at the same table as her, but from across. Placing her book down, she made sure her outfit wasn’t wrinkled before sitting on the chair. Continuing to show a small, friendly smile, she opened up her book and skimmed a few lines then finally spoke up.

There was a short period of silence that followed soon after their little exchange. Just as she was beginning to relax, the other girl spoke up, almost startling Fiore from the unexpectedness of it all. Nevertheless, she was able to keep her outward experience in control, thus not showing any obvious signs of discomfort. She nodded as a way of saying “I see.” and then curiously lowered the book that she had been reading herself so she could see the title of the book that the stranger was holding.

Apologetic, she gave a meek smile and said, “Unfortunately, no. This is the first time seeing it—that book you’re reading. What’s it about? How is it?” She decided that even if the book title was foreign to her, she’d try to be interested—not that she wasn’t interested—and ask for details. She wasn’t quite compatible with awkward silence, and since she was in the company of another, she felt the overwhelming need for a least some bits of chatter. Even in the library, which was supposed to be a quiet environment.

Despite the joy he found in eating sweets, he couldn’t help but notice Fiore’s sudden change in demeanor. It was subtle, and he barely caught it himself, but she sounded like she was carefully picking her words out. He wasn’t really sure why, and it worried him somewhat. Was it something he said?

"Oh— that..!" He swallowed down what he had been chewing, trying to ignore the weird feeling he had in his gut over his friend’s behavior. "I was… erm… a hero. Back at home. But it’s more like a job than the whole visions of grandeur and the whole ‘carrying the hopes of the people’ thing in the stories. The king’s pretty stupid about it, but I try my best to live up to the title, I guess."

He bit down on another cookie.

“The whole thing’s pretty much the reason why I qualified to be a student here. It’s all really silly, to be honest. I’m still far from being a true hero.” Somehow, he couldn’t help but make a painful smile to that thought. If anyone back at home was a true hero, it would’ve been….

He shook those thoughts out of his head. Now wasn’t the time for that. Immediately, he tried to steer the conversation into a different direction.

She catches the pained smile that Alba makes when he continues to explain and feels an unwelcome pit of guilt and uneasiness form in her stomach—had she forced him to think about unhappy memories? She wanted to apologize, but seeing as how Alba had quickly changed the topic in question—or the person in question—she decided to go along with it.

But Fiore was still taken by surprise when she realizes the spotlight has been transitioned onto her, and even though they are the only ones in the library at the moment, she still feels somewhat nervous with the sudden shift.

“My talent…?” She repeated uneasily, because her “talent” wasn’t actually a talent, but more of a title that she was suddenly forced upon because of nothing but luck. “It’s not as impressive as yours… Actually, it’s not very impressive in general when in comparison to everyone else’s title.” But Alba had told her his reason for being invited here when she had asked, so it would be impolite for her to turn it down.

He’s made a friend. He’s made a friend…! He continued to mentally repeat those words to himself. And it was a friend who seemed to genuinely care about his well being, too. His smile widened; he was going to make sure nothing happened to Fiore. Definitely. Such a sweet girl didn’t deserve to die, even if there was an automatic revival system in place.

"After everything that happened today, I just couldn’t find it in me to eat something." He rubbed the side of his arm. "But, yeah. I’ll be sure to try my best to eat three meals a day and stay healthy! What kind of hero would I be if I died on my friend like that just because I wasn’t eating properly." He chuckled a little before reaching out, taking a cookie out of the box and biting down on it.

"These are delicious!" He exclaimed, taking a few more bites before finding that he’s already finished his first cookie. He blushed. He usually had a fairly huge appetite, sure, but he really should be trying to show more restraint than this.

She could feel happiness welling up inside her when she sees that Alba had enjoyed the cookies. She was slightly worried in the scenario that the sweets did not match his tastes, so this also relieved her greatly. When she notices Alba’s sudden anxiety, she becomes apprehensive herself. What if—it turned out he was allergic to one of the ingredients present in the treat? Her worry subsides when he asks for another—so that was it!

“Eat as much as you’d like!” She pressed. “You can have all of it too, I’m fine with it.” Finishing with a gentle smile, she decides to tack on a question that she had been meaning to ask. “Ah—Alba, when you mentioned that you were a hero…” She paused, recalling how her family had stolen an omnipotent wish-granting device referred to as the Greater Grail and used it to summon heroes who had left an imprint in history.

Stealing the Greater Grail and then seceding from the institution that her clan had been affiliated with after revealing their theft was an act of treason and a serious crime, so the institution had sent people after them. Though they were all defeated easily by the hero her grandfather had already summoned, an incident happened that allowed the other institution to summon heroes of their own.

Fortunately, she didn’t have too long to mull over her seclusion. Within a few minutes, a new face appeared out of the corner of her vision. Her curiosity piqued, especially considering the state the newcomer was in, she leaned forward on the bench and returned her wave with friendly smile attached.

The weather, huh? She hadn’t exactly been watching the skies, but a quick glance proved the girl’s statement to be true. It looked like she’d have to retreat inside after a while. "Huh. I guess you’re right. Man, that blows. I was just starting to relax."

Nodding, she said softly, “Our headmaster’s weather report states that it’s expected to clear up on Thursday.” With how awfully hot and humid it’s been lately, she had hopes that it would become cooler after the rain. The weather report had predicted a drop in temperature—though that drop was so miniscule that she’s sure she wouldn’t notice much difference. She should still be thankful—she tried to tell herself—that the proceeding weather would be in the lower nineties rather than the upper.

The stranger’s concern for her safety was well-received and appreciated. Concern for others wasn’t exactly common on this island—at least Fiore has yet to see much of it, but she’s only arrived a few days ago. The exposition was focused around the theme of survival of the fittest, and that much was already burdensome enough for those who did not have any means of defending against murderers.

But despite his newfound energy, at the back of his mind he couldn’t help but feel a tad bit of sadness. His friendship with Fiore was only going to last as long as they were in this island, and getting out just so happened to be their top priority. It was a lonely thought, so much so that Alba’s chest twisted the more he pondered on it, but he swore to make the best out of their time here together.

"Sweets?" He blinked, staring down at the box Fiore held out to him.

To be offered sweets from such a pretty girl, Alba couldn’t help but blush a little. He had been offered gifts back at home due to his reputation and title, but it felt different to be given something as a sign of friendship.

"If it’d be alright?" He smiled, scratching the back of his neck. Suddenly, practically out of nowhere, his stomach made a noise, and he quickly scrambled to find some sort of excuse only to give up on it soon after.

Oh dear, Alba hasn’t eaten anything all day?! She wasn’t sure what time it was at the moment, but having not eaten all day would be equivalent to skipping at least one meal, and that wasn’t healthy! It would be terrible if her new friend here developed a bad habit of skipping meals—leading to undernourishment and sickness—and then possibly death by starvation!

Frightened, she exclaims, “Don’t be silly—of course it’s alright! It would be absolutely awful if you were to die by the hands of malnutrition and starvation!” She may have been just a tiny bit… dramatic, but she fears losing her new friend just as much as she fears dying herself—or perhaps even more. Now that she thinks about it, cookies probably wouldn’t suffice as a proper source of nourishment.

“It’d be dangerous if you were to be attacked while hungry—you can’t fight on an empty stomach—that’s unsafe—hazardous—perilous!” Fiore added on for impact, but she’s probably more concerned about this whole ordeal than Alba himself at this point.

Holding it up, Ene smiled brightly at the shell.  It was so pretty and she always dreamed of being able to collect some, now she could collect as many as she wanted. Plus it helped they were a perfect gift to give to Reiji! Deciding this would be the perfect gift for her friend, Ene began running around the beach shore to find more. Repeating her steps to finding them, tossing the ugly ones behind her and dumping the pretty pastel ones in a cup she had managed to find.

At one point when she was digging, she managed to catch a shadowy figuring watching her while Ene looked at them while upside down. Standing up and turning to face them, Ene smiled even brighter. Waving back with childlike excitement when the other waved to her. Ene broke off into a sprint as she could barely make out the strangers greeting. 

A great day to spend with friends—she’d agree if the situation were different, but with everyone being so suspicious of each other, it created a tense atmosphere that was quite overwhelming—making it difficult for Fiore, at least, to make many friends. Her friends here were few in number as opposed to where she formally attended for her education, so it had been lonely. The invitation to collect shells with Ene made Fiore happy, but it was unfortunate that she had to decline.

"I’ll be sure to do what I can to protect you, too!" he smiled, placing a hand over his chest. "I mean, I guess I don’t really look like it, but I can put up a fight, for sure!" immediately after saying those words, Alba let out a nervous laugh; he wasn’t really one to say things like these all that often, so it made him a little flustered.

He was excited; the prospect of finally finding someone he could rely on in this god forsaken island continuing to give him this whirl of positive energy.

"Let’s do our best to find a way out of here!" He said, taking her hand and giving it a firm shake. "And— Uh… You don’t really have to apologize for that! Or, well, at least I’m completely okay with that? I don’t think it’s bad to express yourself or anything…!"

Alba might have been taken aback by Fiore’s sudden enthusiasm, but he didn’t see any reason for her to apologize for it. If he had to be honest, he quite liked that more expressive side of her’s, but he’ll never be able to have to courage to say that outloud.

With some newfound determination and a will to fight that’s stronger than ever, Alba gave his friend the biggest smile he could muster.

She supposes that once they do find a way home and have to go their separate ways, she would miss some things from this place. She’d definitely miss Alba and his all-around affability, so she’s made it a resolve to treasure her time spent with her new friend no matter how bad things will be in the future.

With her flustered expression quelled by Alba’s kindness, she nods happily. She doesn’t doubt that Alba is capable of fighting—he’s probably more capable than her with her being unable to do much more than performing mediocre Thaumaturgy. His promise to protect her gives Fiore a feeling of relief. It’s unquestionable that her meeting with Alba definitely improved her spirit as well, for the emotions she’s been displaying ever since have been genuine—and she’s able to feel sentiments beyond fear.

Fiore returned the smile, beaming sweetly—something she’s found difficult since her time here, but this time was an exception because it was a natural one and not forced. If she wasn’t handicapped and if she didn’t have as much self-control, she’d probably have hugged him out of happiness. “The same goes for me Alba!”

She remembers the little box of cookies she had brought with her to the library but had set aside for later on the table next to her and reached to grab it. She opened it without much difficulty.

Not that she was losing hope, of course. Not at all.

So she tried her hardest to keep her patience under control; the girl was cute enough and she was a naive, fresh daisy after all; Isuke would summon up all of her reserves of compassion and understanding! They couldn’t have been on empty; she’s only been nice to two individuals here so far, anyway. Fiore was lucky number three!

"Well, well, that name is really a mouthful," She beamed, "But so very pretty, don’t you worry ♥ “ God help me… "Dorm 135 it is then.~" And tentatively she waited for the girl to follow suit.

She wasted no time in following behind Isuke—being able to move much faster on her wheelchair now that she wasn’t burdened with extra weight. She feels incredibly lucky that the one who came to help her appeared to be someone very nice! Not only that, the other girl was really pretty and seemed to be much more graceful than Fiore could ever be. To be someone who was beautiful both inside and out was an admirable trait—and Fiore was definitely envious of the other.

Or more accurately, she thinks of Isuke as a role model now.

"Fiore suits you, too! It’s a really pretty name."His smile grew just a little bit wider. It was a lame attempt at trying to return the complement, but he meant it. With all of his heart. 

Alba watched as Fiore seemed to grow concerned over something, and just as he was about to offer assistance with whatever it might have been her voice graced his ears once more.

"F-friends?" He tripped on his words; no one’s actually asked to be his friend before; he couldn’t help but get a little flustered over it, but he completely understood where she was coming from. In the short time he’s been marooned here, he hasn’t exactly talked to many people. Let alone made any friends. It was almost like he was invisible.

"Of course! I’d be more than happy to be friends with you, Fiore."He smiled, scratching the back of his neck once again. As peculiar as the situation was, as much as the thought of getting too attached to anyone doing him more bad than good nagged at him from the back of his mind, he figured that making bonds with people you could trust would help out a lot more in the long run. 

Even so, Fiore’s anxiety did not seem to quell all that much even with her self-reasoning.

When he replied positively, Fiore was taken aback by surprise and bewilderment, which quickly converted into wholesome happiness. “Really? You mean it…?” Fiore gaped at Alba. “I won’t be able to do much for you but—but I’ll do my best to protect you from… from the scary-looking people!" A lame ending, but she doesn't really know much better. "Let’s look for another way to escape this place and save everyone… together!”

She spoke enthusiastically, and even though most of these goals were made on-the-spot as they just suddenly came to her—she’s simply very thrilled upon making a friend in this dreadful place. She holds out a hand for a handshake as a means to affirm their new friendship. It seems like this event has suddenly energized her, as she’s suddenly radiating enthusiasm—a strong contrast to her modest atmosphere just a few moments ago.