Outlaw Star The Flower of Fate

Chapter 2: The Genius Short-circuits

(Outlaw Star The Flower of Fate)

Mankind has long taken pride in its ability to think on complex levels, a quality separating it from all but a few other life forms. But even among sentient species, there are individuals who possess intelligence far above the average members of their race. Genius comes in many different forms. Some brilliant thinkers come up with new theories or inventions that revolutionize society, such as advances in the field of medicine or interplanetary travel. Others utilize their intellect and apply it to certain activities, competing with their fellows in an attempt to prove themselves. All of this often comes at a price, however. When society acknowledges a person's intelligence, high expectations are placed upon them. Pushed to their limits, many bright men, women, and even children struggle to overcome the overwhelming pressure. And sometimes, they may lose themselves completely.

(Outlaw Star The Flower of Fate)

"So what do you feel like doing, Hanmyo?" Jim asked as he and his two companions left the hospital.

"You mean to tell us that after everything that's happened, you still want to do things other than sleep?" a bewildered Gene countered. "If memory serves, you didn't get any sleep last night. How are you even able to hold a conversation right now?"

"I'll be fine, so don't worry about it!" Jim replied before turning his attention back to Hanmyo. "Anyway, you just got out of there, so let's go celebrate and get some breakfast!"

"Okay! That sounds great, Jim!" Hanmyo agreed happily.

Gene just shook his head in exasperation. "Whatever. You two do what you want. I'm going to bed!"

"See you later," responded Hanmyo.

"Yeah, see ya," said Jim.

Chapter 2: The Genius Short-circuits

Five and a half hours later, Melfina knocked on Gene's bedroom door to tell him that breakfast was ready. Pulling himself out of bed, Gene dragged himself to the kitchen where Melfina was cooking while Gilliam sat on the counter keeping her company. Seconds after Gene sat down at the table, Aisha charged in like a speeding bullet before leaping onto a chair, leaning back and forth eagerly. Meanwhile, Suzuka walked in quietly and calmly before taking a seat.

"Oh, breakfast, breakfast, breakfast!" Aisha chanted.

"Repeating the same word over and over again like you're a pirate isn't going to make the food ready any faster, Aisha," Gene muttered.

"If she were truly trying to use Tao magic, I don't believe she's doing it correctly," commented Suzuka plainly.

"Well, that's to be expected," agreed Gene.

"Who the hell gave you two permission to gang up on me like that?!?" roared Aisha.

"Aisha, please calm down," begged Melfina, placing a plate in front of Aisha. Luckily, this succeeded in stopping Aisha from yelling anymore, for the Ctarl-Ctarl immediately perked up and started chowing down on the steaming plate of scrambled eggs.

"By the way, where is Jim?" asked Gilliam after everyone had gotten a serving.

"I was wondering about that myself, actually," added Melfina. "When I went to his room to knock on his door, he didn't answer. And when I went in to check if he was alright, his bed was empty."

"That's probably because he's still out with his girlfriend," Gene said offhandedly through a mouthful of eggs.

Upon registering this piece of information, Aisha did a spit take and yelled, "His WHAAAT?!?!?!?"