Reincarnation BOOK 2 (Shidge AU)

Chapter 6 - Lying

Despite Pidge heavily believing that Takashi was drunk-level mad and a complete fool, she found herself delving into the history of Katie Holt. It was more for scientific research rather than magical reasons, or so Pidge told herself. Reading article after article, as little as there were, the brunette could only be marvelled at what she found.

Previously, she had acknowledged Katie Holt as a mere witch who spent most of her life weeping over the lost soul of her lover. Pidge had heard that Katie was one of the people to keep Garrison open, but she never knew the extent of what the girl had gone through.

A court case, publicly posted on the school's history page, described a case where a male student acted aggressively towards Katie numerous times before he killed Takashi Shirogane. The trial was for both Katie and the male warrior student, Lotor.

Katie went under charges for using forbidden magic to sentence Lotor to life in space for revenge. In the case, the young witch won with out any repercussions in the light that Lotor was unstable and a threat.

Pidge was terribly wrong about the woman. Katie Holt was badass! The more she read on the witch, the more she desired to know. She was surprised to read that Katie publicly fought Shirogane's father on the subject of Keith's, Shiro's younger half-brother, homosexual marriage. She had also won that altercation, resulting in Lance and Keith Kogane becoming Altea's first married gay couple.

Katie Holt even survived a fire in her high, way off the ground dorm room by jumping out the window. The woman was quite an admirable person, winning the affections of many. Though, she always turned down any suitors that came her way, holding her deceased fiancé closely to her heart until her death.

A knock at her door brought the teen back into reality. Pidge's mother popped her head into the room, a frown on her face. "I asked you to make your siblings and Grandfather food but they just told me that they haven't eaten yet. Did you even give your grandfather his treatment before locking yourself in this room? Pidge Gunderson, you have to stop being like this. You have responsibilities. Now, you finish the food I put on to cook and get the dirty dishes cleaned. Oh, and Rover needs to go on his walk. Remember that pup is your responsibility. You said you'd take care of him when we let him join the family," Mrs. Gunderson droned, monotoned but forceful. Although the woman didn't bluntly say it, Pidge knew the underlying threat her mother was implying: Take care of everything or else Rover is going to the pound for good.

Nodding slowly, Pidge stood to do what her mother asked. She monitored the food on the stove regularly while washing the dishes and when they both were finished, she readied herself to take Rover on his walk.

Grabbing the old leash they use, Pidge called out to the dog. "Rover! Come on, walk time!" The dog bounded around a corner in enthrallment, tail wagging aggressively and tongue rolling out of his mouth. When he sat before her, she scratched Rover's head with one hand, using the other to attach the leash to the dog's collar. Then she opened the door and the rushed out of the house, the brunette quick to follow.

After the initial excitement of being outside, Rover calmed down and they began their normal walk. They trailed down the neighborhood's road, stepping on stranded twigs and leaves. "Rover, do you think it's possible... That I could be Katie Holt's reincarnation? I believe that it is rubbish, but that Takashi Holt seems bent on believing it," Pidge ranted, the scene very familiar to the trees.

It was common for Pidge to consult Rover during their walks when they were away from the prying eyes and eavesdropping ears of her family. "Mother used you again. She knows my inventions and you are my only enjoyment in this world. I swear she leverages the both of you over my head every day and I hate it. Don't you too, boy?"

Rover crooked his head, clearly not understanding her words. It didn't really bother Pidge, though, since the teen knew her beloved pet wouldn't. It was just nice to say these things out loud, even if it was just to a dog.

Suddenly Rover's head snapped up, ears and tail rising to attention. Following the pup's gaze, the girl found Lane walking towards them with earbuds in. Seeing the male made the vision of Lance and Shiro reappear in Pidge's mind.

Realizing that Lane meant no harm, Rover ran up to him, dragging the girl behind him. The junior hollered when Rover pounced on him, licking everywhere the pup could reach. Flabbergasted, Pidge reeled the dog back him, holding him by his collar at her side.

"Oh my heavens, I must sincerely apologize. Ro' has never done something like this. He doesn't normally jump on strangers like that! Are you okay?" the short female inquired, gazing hopefully at the elder boy.

Lane just chuckled. He waved his hand gently, eyes closing from his large smile. "Nah, it's all good. You're Ping Gunneron, right?" the boy questioned.

"Uh, no. It's Pidge Gunderson, thank you," Pidge remarked, unamused by the mistake, "Again, I am sorry for my dog. I'll say goodbye, now." With that, Pidge chirped at Rover in a more cheerful voice to call him along. The dog perked up at the sound and padded on after her.

Lane turned, watching her in surprise as she passed him. "Wait? No drool, no flirting?" the boy asked, dropping his suave act.

With a smirk, Pidge turned on her heels. "There he is. I was wondering where the Lane from fifth grade was. Cool is not your thing. You're much better as the dork. Hey, do you still watch anime and My Little Horsie?" the shorter brunette interrogated, making Lane to turn pink.

"I thought everyone forgot about fifth grade me... And of course I don't," the male responded, crossing his arms firmly.

Pidge glanced down at his My Little Horsie embroidered sweat pants and Narito shirt. "I think you still do or did you put on the wrong clothes?"

Peering down at himself, Lane's cheeks flushed darker and zipped up his lightweight jacket. At the notion, the young girl laughed-and maybe even snorted once. With a little shake of her head, she began to go back on her walk, but before she could even take a second step, Pidge felt her temples throb painfully. In a moment, she was curled over, head in hands.

Flashes of a lunch table, a blaring sun, and the happy faces of Lance and Hunk as they shoved fries up their noses interrupted her mind, bewildering her. Lane rushed over, kneeling down and taking ahold of her tiny shoulders. He was clearly saying something but Pidge couldn't hear it.

An image of a ball came, herself being wrapped in Shiro's arms as they glided across the dance floor. The fleeting images brought such advanced emotions that it had her heart withering.

Next, it was a man sneering with long, white hair. He glared at her, fist tightly enclosed at his side. His skin was tanned and his eyes cold as he stared her down. Next to him stood a large woman with a thick chest and legs. She had her arms crossed, backing up the guy, who was considerably shorter than her. The memory, which had to be Katie's, took the breath away from Pidge.

Lane shook her harder, but it wasn't working. Of course it wouldn't work. Not even Rover's worried wining or nudges could stop those scenes from flittering through her head.

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