Book 2: Seven Demon's Hearts

Episode 39: Pistachio Ice Cream

Episode 39: P i s t a c h i o  I c e  C r e a m

When she was certain they'd be out of anyone's hearing range Sera came to a stop. Roughly, she swung the boy dragging behind her and knocked him into the wall. But she wasn't done, she shoved him back and grabbed his collar, giving him a violent shake. "Are you stupid or are you dumb?!" She panted with fury, looking back at his wide, iridescent eyes. "Turn your aura off right now!" She hissed at him. Aiko quickly blinked with surprise, realizing that his powers were leaking out.

"Oh no." He gasped as she let go of him, brushing her hair back and looked around just in case.

"Hurry up!" She glared, exciting the anxious boy further.

"I...I..." he panicked, grabbing a hold of his trembling hand.

"Now! Someone's going to see you!"

"I can't!" His eyes welled up with tears. Sera furrowed her brows with confusion.

"Stop crying and do something about it."

"Hey! Who's in the halls?!" Miss Kim's voice approached from the corner.

"Fuck!" Sera hissed, grabbing Aiko quickly and running into the nearest door. She covered his mouth and shut her eyes, listening to the sound of her heels stop, then walk off. "You almost got us both in--" she looked back at him, only a few centimeters apart, recognizing the same frightened look on his face too.

His salty tears fell down into her hand, and she slowly removed it hearing him sob. "Hey, relax..." her voice grew with concern.

"I-I can't...I can't do it. I'm going to hurt everyone...I'm going to...hurt...mommy..." his words began to cut off and his blinking grew more rapid. Sera immediately realized what was going on and cursed the fact that out of everywhere they could be they were in a cramped janitor's closet.

"Aiko," her hands gently grabbed hold of his lulling head. "Aiko, hey, hey! Shh, it's okay. Listen to my voice." His breathing slowed down and slowly his crying eyes adjusted back at her. She did her best to throw in a smile. "It's okay. You're in control. Close your eyes and tell it to go away. You can do it. Okay?"

With a small and uncertain nod, he did what she told him. Sera eyed the flickering flames threatening to burst out of his frame. Gradually, however, she saw them retreating again.

"Yes, just like that." Her hushed voice eased his anxiety, and a gentle hand ran through his hair as she continuing to compliment until the flames disappeared. "Good job, Aiko. Good boy."

Slowly, he opened his damp brown eyes again, quickly checking his body for any aura before looking up at her with fear. Sera furrowed her brows, staring back at his terror. Whoever taught him how to control his aura certainly did a bad job at it. All it managed to do was leave a scar in his mind.

"I'm sorry." He immediately apologized. A chill ran down Sera's spine as growing discomfort filled her up. Quickly she took her hands off him and got off his lap, scooting back.

"You don't always have to apologize you know? Just try to do things that won't make you say it so often. I can't believe you didn't even learn how to control your aura. Does Jin know this?"

"No." He shook his head. "I'm not sure how to use my powers. But he told me to try not to...and I broke the rules. Again."

"Stop being so pessimistic." Sera groaned. "You act like it's the end of the world when you do something wrong. Either way, I'm going to tell Jin about this. This isn't ok."

"But...father told me I would hurt people if I didn't control myself. I don't want to! I don't want to hurt people!" He was begging, shaking his head as if she was doubting him.