God Eater: Shattered Dawn

Chapter 16: Tainted rumours

To Lu-chan, because she let me call her that. And she let me play her harp. She's the best!

Also celebrating 200+ views.

Finally, to the guy at Whitby, for appreciating Linkin Park music, and for creating a game so popular he had to end it. Please finish your Arc book, it sounds amazing.

And no, he didn't make Flappybird.

Lupa's POV

Me and Soma went to breakfast late, having been lost in the world of music. I noticed that Soma refused to sit with anyone, purposefully sitting at a table in the corner, ignoring Sakuya's attempts to get his attention.

He was always like this. I pretended not to hear the fearful mutters surrounding me as I dumped my food across from him, not bothering to ask his permission. He would only say no.

I watched him eat, stabbing his cutlery into his food, glowering like it had deeply offended him. It was the way he did everything, a pressure behind every movement. So much anger and pain. I could understand.

"It was about an old friend." He glanced up from his meal. "My dream, I mean. Well, more than a friend. Probably the one whose heart was closest to mine when I lived in the heavens."

He stiffened. "Why are you telling me this?" his tone was monotone, as though I had offended him. But I didn't say anything wrong.

I shrugged uncertainly, and we lapsed into an uncomfortable silence. We remained like that for a few minutes until we were interrupted by Lindow, as per usual.

"Hope we're not invading your personal space." he announced, sitting next to Soma and elbowing him. Sakuya looked at me apologetically before taking her seat.

Soma started cursing Lindow under his breath, stabbing away with renewed vigor. I felt somewhat sorry for his massacred food.

I stifled a laugh threatening to bubble over, turning to see. "-Wah!" I squeaked, promptly tumbling out of my chair. Sakuya had been right. in. my. face.

"Move." Soma's voice was coming from...under me? I leapt back up again, stammering out an apology, feeling incredibly flustered.

Everyone in the room was sniggering their heads off. "You know Lupa," Sakuya continued as though nothing had happened. "You have huge rings under your eyes. I hope you're not overworking yourself."

I rubbed my forehead sheepishly. "Well someone has to get the papers done." All eyes turned to Lindow.

"What?" he raised his arms in defence. "It's not my fault I have the memory of a goldfish."

I recalled the teachings my old friend had taught me. "A leader must be reliable, someone who you know has your back."

"Meaning?"

"Be more organised!" Sakuya elbowed him, rolling her eyes. Lindow had an 'oh' kinda dumb look on his face, which was pretty funny.  Soma coughed suspiciously. Was he laughing?

Either way, when I went on a Licca visit, my cheerfulness didn't go unnoticed.

I loved the weapon storage area. It had a homely, oily smell- the smell of good, hard work. Licca was incredibly hardworking, and I respected that. She felt a great love for the weapons she cleaned every day, and this passion made the weapons shine.

I stared at the different blades on my way in, seeing how the light was reflected on each surface, all well polished and cared for.

In the very middle of the collection of god arcs sat my weapon. I ran my fingers over the smooth surface, basking in the chilled silver metal.