[SS] The Ballad of the Oddities

Minako watched as the events played out in front of her. Erize had risen into the air, just as she had hoped. Then Oda seemed to charge at the place Erize had occupied just moments before! Thus crashing into the fence, hitting the ground. Mina's mouth hung open, speechless for a moment as she watched the blood run down Oda's arm. Oh no, she ended up hurting him. The guilt twinged in her gut as Erize's words faintly echoed in her head. Suddenly her eyes snapped up to the red haired girl, for a moment. Mina nodded her head, clearing her throat. "Uh... yeah. Uh... sorry!" Mina mumbled, as she moved her arm above her, and slowly put it down behind her. In case Oda was still on a minor rampage, he would have to go through Mina to get to Erize. Mina could hear the soft click of Erize's shoes hitting the pavement.

Mina raised her right hand and pointed it, open palm towards Oda. Best be prepared. "I... I'm sorry... O-oda-Sama." Minako said softly, as her eyes were perfectly trained on him. "I.. had to... stop you. You were... lost... I had to... bring you back." Tears welled, unbidden, within Minako's deep blue eyes. "I... never wanted you to get hurt..." A small tear escaped, leaving a wet trail down her cheek. She couldn't brush it away, incase Oda was still slightly under the power of Erize. "Are... you... you again?" Minako gritted her teeth, she had to remain focused, she ran calculations within her head. If Oda wasn't himself, she had to fight. She didn't want to fight him, but she had to protect Erize and subdue Oda. Otherwise, her deal with Erize would be null and void. However, if he was back to normal, Mina would at least try to bind his arm, and administer basic first aid. She had her outfit from going undercover, perhaps she could tear that into temporary bandages?

This was all for the greater good. Right?

There was much confusion along with the pain he was feeling, though as quickly as his thoughts gathered the pain had mostly stopped. This was simply a coincidence, and for Oda alone, more confusion was to be had upon looking at his arm.

"Huh" Oda muttered they were questions he had to ask himself, but now wasn't the time as he struggled back to his feet. Upon doing so, he would find a tense scene with Junko, his friends seeming worse for wear and while Minako stood in front of a girl he never... "Erize?" Oda had said as for some reason he knew that name. Though he for him it wouldn't be hard to figure out why, since the music, he has been exposed too continuously had been the answer.

Both the music and the machine that was damaged was both parts to one message and why it was required for both to be achieved even to get anywhere.

It was a failure that was set up by the one who issued the challenge. Did the girl behind it all plan this from the beginning or was this merely the actions of Minako's influence? It was beyond his understanding at this point though he was distracted by Minako's words at this point.

He didn't seem to react emotionally to those words, though a smirk would creep on his face as he finally responds.

"You idiot! You're not supposed to cry?!?! What am I suppose to do at this point? That's cheating! Unfair! foul! I've never been in these sort of situation. I mean how am I suppose to respond?" Oda suddenly turned around trying to work out something akin to a highly complicated mathematical question. He was loud in his mutterings but suddenly and without question, he would rush towards Minako and bow down in an apologetic stance.

"I apologise! I should've done better!" Oda shouted whos behaviour had at least stunned Erize who was completely bewildered at this point. "What are yo--" Erize had said while Junko had seemingly started to laugh.

Minako was relieved, she had done it. Well, not really on her own, all she did was have Oda hurt himself! But still, her mission was successful! Mina lowered her arm, now secure in the thought that Oda was himself again. Who else would get flustered over making a girl cry, when he himself was so injured! She couldn't stop her tears, they continued to flow as her knees gave out due to relief that flooded her body. Moments ago, she was geared towards battle, knowing that things may not end up the way she wanted. She was brave. She was strong. Now, she was a crying mess. Funny how life changes in moments.

"I-I-I'm c-c-crying... b-b-because... I'm s-s-so Happyyyyy" Minako wailed softly as she covered her face with her hands. A few moments, and a sniffle or two later Mina had once again regained her composure. She tore off pieces of cloth from her jacket, making into a makeshift bandages for Oda.

"You don't need to respond to my tears, Oda-Sama." Minako said softly as she tried to gently place the bandages around his arm. "You... did great." Mina said as she deftly tied the last bandage into place. She advised Oda to get his arm checked out, and properly treated once they returned to Academy City.

Minako, however, in those moments completely forgot about Erize and Junko. She turned around, and locked eyes with Erize. "Alright, I have held up my end of the bargain. Time for you to hold up yours as per our agreement." Mina crossed her arms unsure of how else to stand before this powerful young woman. "You said you would stop... you said you would tell me what you were really after."

Finally, they were going to get to the bottom of this whole ordeal. What the concert was really all about, and perhaps even show Erize that sometimes talking about things can be more effective than just taking matters into your own hands.

Taichi couldn't do anything but remain silent in response to Minako's reaction. He isn't used to dealing with overly emotional people like Minako but that isn't a bad thing. It was actually refreshing for Oda Taichi who often has to deal with very rough and emotionally hardened individuals in his experience. So he felt like if he said anything now he would probably ruin the atmosphere and casually just stood there while Minako bandages his arm.

Though he was admittedly embarrassed by her actions, Oda Taichi noticed something from Junko and when Minako confronted Erize personally he would silently waltz over as the two girls focused on each other.

"Get up!" Oda said towards Junko, though you should understand this didn't mean Oda had forgiven the boy for his prior actions. It was more he was being respectful. He knew that the matter in hand was in the ball court of those two girls and he had no role in how this would end. Sometimes it was important to step back and allow things to solve themselves.

"You did hold your end of the bargain. I will cancel the concert as promised, but if you think this will mean we've reached an understanding you're more naive than I originally thought." Erize said who seemed to have decided to leave though she would stop and turn to Minako to ask an important question. "Tell me Minako what is your experience at Tokiwadai?" she said this with a lethargic expression, her emotions were seemingly dead upon naming that school.

Minako's eyes widened at Erize's flippant comment! Yes, she was a bit naive however it was rather rude to just blatantly say it! Anger and shame flooded her body, as a soft blush crept upon her own milky white cheeks. In most situations, any other girl would slap someone over a condescending comment like that! However Minako wasn't most girls. She had to focus on one positive, she somehow had the ability to get the concert cancelled.

Before she could even reply Erize's comment hit close to home. Her own experience at Tokiwadai? Many memories surfaced within her own mind. Whispers behind her back, snide comments with disdain filled looks, even a little bullying. Minako took a deep breath, closed her eyes for the briefest of moments, and finally opened them releasing her held breath. The truth, yes that was the best course of action here. With a minor hair flip, Mina accepted Erize's un-worded challenge.

"Tokiwadai is a beast of its own making. Before you even gain entry to the Academy you must have power and prestige. With those alone you are always being judged, not just by the teachers and administrators, but your peers as well. The better you do, the more people talk. The worse you do, the more people talk. If you don't fit into the exact model that they want you to become, you in turn become a target of this elitist society." Minako flipped her hair and locked her eyes with Erize once again "However as long as you do your best to try to succeed and move yourself forward, people acknowledge that. Interacting is... hard. You don't know who is your friend because they like you, or they want to use you as a spring board for their own proposes. Everywhere is like that though, even outside of Tokiwadai. Sometimes, you need to take a leap of faith, and a lot of the times it pans out. I know my experiences aren't all happy at Tokiwadai, but I've made the decision to try and make it better. My experiences are based upon me, they are a reflection of me. If I want it to be better, then I myself must be better. Not just in terms of ability, but as a person as well. Slowly, I have started to dissolve the rumors about myself and it is a difficult process. But anything worth having, you must put forth the effort to own it."

With that last bit of monologue out, Mina wasn't afraid. She had been scared and nervous when she began, she didn't even know what she would say. However, it still turned out to be a message of hope, love, and self acceptance. Perhaps that is why Erize saw her as naive, but Minako had to be true to herself.

Erize stood there with a faint smile, listening to Minako's words it was hard to not empathise with her and be brought along by the tide of her own wishes. The environment of Tokiwadai wasn't easy for girls who lack the will to interact socially as well as the others. Though even if you had that will, once the groups within that school had marked you as someone 'unpopular' or someone not 'worthy' to be part of their social circles it was a lonely existence.

Though she didn't blame just the inhabitants of the school, she also blamed her own weakness not to reach out towards those who were also alone no matter their level. Erize though wanted to prove herself to her peers, she felt it was required for her to even be accepted or even listened. Her ability was profound that she was able to influence the masses with the excitement of certain emotions, though she would often lose control of that ability when lost in her emotions.

This weakness maybe is why she was abandoned in the social circles, why no one else able to bother to consider her with care. Maybe she wouldn't have to resort to this method if someone did reach out and so she decided to do it by force.

Minako wasn't right though, while the method to find her hidden concert require the people to become puppets. The method was never forced and most was a decision decided upon the individual to seek it out. Sure, there were accidents when one stumbled upon the concert entrance requirement without realising though mistakes happen.  

"Naive and idealistic to the end,"  Erize said who smiled only briefly, though it wouldn't last as she been caught by surprise as she was suddenly shoved from the back by Oda Taichi. "Well now, don't you think that's unfair to say? I mean aren't you both the same? The only difference is that Junko clearly fancies you." Oda said bluntly without realising the landmine he stepped on. You can see both Junko and Erize react out of embarrassment and the confused Oda thinking they both already knew continued to speak.

"I mean think about it? Junko is more than just a simple Skill-out member. Being level 0 doesn't mean you have no ability and probably just a useless one. The ability to tone out unnatural vibrations." Oda said looking towards him with a smile. "I did my homework and thought you would be OK from there on after the first incident. But who would have thought you would be helping the main culprit herself. Thoug-.." Oda was interrupted as Erize swung her hands forward

"Stop! Don't speak anymore!" Erize said who glanced towards Junko who seemed to have been exposed. Seeing this she only remained silent and walked in a very fast paced back to the concert building.

"Wait!" Junko said who ran after her in a panic his friends would follow in pursuit leaving the Judgement boy and Minako together. It was right there, that moment you could see a smug grin on Oda's expression as he turned to his partner in crime.

"If you noticed the way he was looking at Erize it was so obvious; So sometimes all you need is a little push."

Naive and idealistic, yes that did describe Minako very well. A small blush of shame crept upon her face. Before she could even retort Oda had stepped in, with a bravado of his own. Mina's cheeks turned from a soft rose, to a deep red as Oda blatantly shipped Junko and Erize! Did he often ship people together like that? Did he ship herself with someone? Minako was so enraptured by her own thoughts, she nearly missed the last of the conversation.

It all made sense now. How Junko could withstand Erize's ability and not fall victim to it. Then Erize had made her final stand. As she walked away, Mina decided to give her one last piece of advice. "I may be naive and idealistic, however the hopes of today are the realities of tomorrow. We make our own destinies Erize, what path will you choose?" Minako watched as the woman walked away.

"A little push..." Mina parroted back Oda's words, as she looked down at her own hands for a moment. She knew all too well about the ability to push others, and the consequences that it could hold. Slowly she balled up her fists and walked over to a wall and leaned against it. "I suppose we'll never know why she did what she did. But the important thing is that it is finally over. Right?"

A small knot settled within her stomach, she was afraid of Oda for a moment. Was he going to be angry that she hadn't figured out the trap sooner? That she didn't get to the root cause of the issues? She also used her abilities in an offensive manor, which was against Academy City law. She finally had the courage to look up at Oda. He didn't seem too angry. Perhaps everything was going to be alright.

It was unknown whether or not Erize heard Minako's words, though the girl was embarrassed to the point she was even fleeing Junko and while there may be doubt he believed Erize would hold her word. So the judgement boy didn't follow to make sure and actually sighed, thinking it was all over.

"I suppose we'll never know why she did what she did. But the important thing is that it is finally over. Right?"

"You're right. I believe that despite being stubborn she will hold her word and I'll make sure that would be the case now as I know who was behind it." Oda turned towards Minako with a cheeky smile and continued. "If you were a judgement member, the way you used your ability would've been the correct usage and not only that you are relatively functional to act and help others. So you should consider joining! We could use the help of people like you and there would be no doubt you would be better than me. " Oda said while giving a little push by patting her on the shoulder.

"I couldn't have done this without you and you should be proud of it." Oda said with a smile that hid the truth he knew his Chief would give him grief about certain factors, but it would be OK as long he kept tabs on Erize.

"You've grown stronger!" Oda gave a genuine smile.

Oda's words were well timed, and very insightful. Minako smiled as his hand rested gently upon her slender shoulder. "I doubt that..." Mina said softly as the pushed off of the wall. She threw a lock of hair behind her shoulder and smiled gently at Oda "But I appreciate it. Really." She would never believed she would be a great Judgement member, yes it was her goal... but she didn't believe in herself that much. Yet. Also, anyone could have filled her shoes. Really. It was just about analyzing the situation, and choosing a course best suited for not hurting anyone. Sometimes it took a lot of luck. If anything, that is what this day taught her. Minako rummaged in her bag and pulled out a notepad and a pen, scribbling down her contact info.

"I'll... see you around... yeah?" Mina said softly, as she took a few steps down the alley. She really didn't know if Oda would call her. Again, it was all in the hands of fate. A feeling she was really starting to get used to at this point. Minako turned the corner, and was gone.

It shocked Mina when Oda had actually messaged her. They text a few times, and she finally was brazen enough to ask him to meet her. Back at the same place they had all met before, the noodle stand. It was a week later she sat under a shady umbrella, with her green tea staring wistfully into the sky. Oda would be here soon, her stomach clenched as she tightened her grip on a small parcel in her lap. She really didn't know what else to do. He had given her something that was basically priceless, a small sense of determination and hope. Something like that was rare for Minako. Ice clinked against the glass as she took another sip, before setting it down gently again.

1st July, District 7

It has been a week since the concert was cancelled; though rumours of that same event continue to persist through word of mouth between the students of Academy city. Though this was at first a concern, the methods that were used to gain access was no longer there. The Radio station which held the music was no longer available.

Erize had kept her word, though it was likely we would hear her voice again.

For Oda though this event was nothing more than the same, it only confirmed the motivations of being a Judgement member. While it wasn't the first time he dealt with espers who abused their ability, the boy was right predicting the reaction of his chief. While he was forgiven so no one really got hurt, the Chief at least made sure to make the passing week a living hell.

The paperwork and everything else made it felt like a grind.

So after communicating back and forward with Minako, the girl who became a friend after the Concert he accepted the break he would get by meeting up once more.

There was no doubt he was tired, the judgment boy often pushed to help those who felt abandoned. Those left alone to fend in a world as complex as Academy city. He was simple in that thinking, the boy didn't do it because he wanted to be seen as someone good.

He only did it because he knew how it felt and more importantly the regret to have abandon someone else.

Though upon seeing Minako waiting at the same place they all met up that one time, the boy walked over with a smile. This wasn't hard right? Or something that feels like a bother? To actually enjoy yourself or have the rare experience known as a break from the grind? The very least he was happy to see Minako after a week from the experience they shared with Erize.  

"You know, this has changed a lot of things." Oda said who had made his way over towards Minako. "Normally I could assume that Tokiwadai students are too good to play up and cause trouble. Though it seems you lot are actually normal students over there in that elusive garden." Oda spoke with a cheese-eating grin.

Minako couldn't help but smile as Oda approached her. She returned his grin as she took another sip of tea, demurely. "I have no idea what you're referring to." A mischevious glint in her eye. "All jokes aside, yes. Even the mighty Tokiwadai is susceptible to bad apples, I suppose. It really goes to show that no matter our levels or social status, we're all human." Minako gently placed the empty glass upon the table as she eyed Oda for a moment. He seemed happier, less stressed. That was a good sign, right?

She hadn't been contacted by Judgement in her involvement in this whole scandalous event. Nor had Erize, as she seemed to still be seen around Tokiwadai. It seemed as if this whole event had never transpired at all. As if it had all been a bad dream. However, Mina knew the truth. She had lived these undocumented events, her life had even been changed over them. "It's funny how so much can happen, yet nothing has been said nor changed. Makes me wonder, what else is happening out there that we are unaware of." Minako brushed a strand of hair from her face, as a gentle wind blew around them. "Now the question remains do I stay in my slumber of ignorance, or do I open my eyes to the harsh truths and face what is really out there in this world."

It was a rather strange, yet deep, observation. However, it was true nonetheless. "I guess... I wanted to say thank you. You saved me, and the reputation of Tokiwadai. That, among a few other things, can never be repaid in full." Mina shifted in her seat, she quickly glanced at her watch. She didn't have much time to spare, as she had to go soon. "You deserve much more than this, but I figure this is a start." Mina took the parcel from her lap and placed it upon the table. On the outside, it was a small square box, wrapped in a lovely black silk scarf, painted with white lillies and pink cherry blossom petals. Inside of it, Oda would find a nicely decorated box, and within it a homemade bento full of Minako's favorites. Rolled omelettes, Onigiri, steamed dumplings, rice, and a few rolls of sushi.

"I... better get going. But... if you ever need me, know that I am here to help." Minako stood up, a slight blush gracing her face, as she backed away a few steps. "That is what friends are for, right? Who knows, maybe I'll see you in Judgement someday." With a soft smile, the Tokiwadai girl turned, and took her leave. She wanted to cast a glance or two back, to see if Oda opened her bento box. But she couldn't bring herself to do it. She had to keep going, towards whatever the future would bring. Hopefully, it would bring the two of them back together again. Even if it didn't, she at least obtained a friend out of this situation. Right?

She had left.

Time often passes quickly in the moments you enjoy, and for those that you don't or the moments you have suffered, they're often the longest. In a way, life is very unfair as those longest moments happen so often while the good times so rarely.

"Idiot." Oda spoke after she left and he only said that because she hadn't realised. That the timid girl that he met all alone had actually helped him more than he realised. Maybe one day she would find out how, but for Oda Taichi he felt humbled and grateful for the kindness shown.

Judgement surely could use her for her temperament.

Thinking about this the Judgement boy had looked towards the gift that was left behind and only realising at that point what just happened. He blushed almost immediately, he started to panic and could verbalise any proper sentences as he tried to understand what happened.

"BENTO?!" Oda finally verbalised his shock by the gift left behind.

"Do I eat it now? Or..... Thank you. Oda said who took a moment to accept it before opening it with a smile and knew he had made a good friend.

Still a Bento made by a maiden from Tokiwadai? This is a dream? Right?