Snippets and Stories: (A) Provocation (4 of ?)

He'd known this would happen the moment he fought back.

The disgust, the fear.

He wasn't even an Enhanced, just an attendee there because of his biological potential, as was mandatory by law for one born of Enhanced parentage. Unlike others of his lineage though, he bore no signs of such qualities. Still they wouldn't release him until another 4 seasons had passed and they were certain.

Even so they feared him.

It wasn't just his status as an attendee though. That he knew, for many of the other Enhancers were able to blend in with the crowd.

There was really nothing to differentiate an Enhancer, and until they synchronized, one could little tell Enhancer from Dredge.

Sil was too easy to spot.

Lacore was built far from the city, to ensure that the grounds were big enough to accommodate for the special facilities and contain the damage of a neo-Enhancer who had yet to truly grasp control over their abilities.

In truth, it was a two-way street. Such isolation also served to protect those who attended.

People did not look kindly upon what they saw of as abherrants (a play on aberrant and abhorrent), and already there was a growing divide and various incidents that brewed tension. The riots too had grown in number, and which in itself had becoming too fierce and violent. Injuries, property damage, assault, all were regular headliners in the news.

It was another reason why Lacore had become one of the higher attended schools despite its quaintness.

He shook his head and peered up at Ignace beside him. The Enhancer was putting in their order.

Sil had lost, to no one's surprise. Ignace was in better shape, and long legs aside, was much faster.

Still the other had grinned and told him that he hadn't told him what he'd claim for a prize, which turned out to be a request to be accompanied.

But he could see it for what it was. Ignace likely wouldn't leave him alone today.

And that suited him just fine. Admittedly it was comforting, and he held onto his hand tightly, unconsciously edging closer and huddling against Ignace.

The other peered down briefly but didn't bring it up, instead hiding it with a smile.

They retrieved their waffles and lay on the grass.

Neither of them had a morning class, the grounds were just a nicer place to be overall. Comfortable, and soothing, and Sil drifted off.

Ignace lowered the redhead to lay on his lap instead. He needed proper rest, especially after such a late night.

"Oh my."

Ignace glanced up to see a tall dark haired woman, "Hello?"

"To think I would find another who he'd become attached to. I'm a little jealous." She smiled gently, and fondly at the child.

"You know Sil?"

"Don't you mean Charice?"

Charice? It was his first Time hearing it he was sure.

His confusion was lost on her though, for she neither explained herself nor the name, instead as if reprimanding herself, muttered, "Oh dear. That's right he prefers 'sil', doesn't he?"

But moreover, where had he heard it before? It was naggingly familiar.

She cleared her throat, "Leira. Leira O'Hart. I used to be in his discovery class, Autumn seasonal. May I...?"

Ignace nodded and she took a seat beside him, stroking Sil's hair.

"I've class in 10, so I can't linger long I'm afraid." She glanced up, "But I'm glad he has a friend in you Ignace."

"I'm flattered you know me by name."

"Of course. You and your brother both. Came out top in last season's Regionals."

That made sense he supposed. 

"Oh... He looks so comfortable. I don't want to disturb him." She stared down wistfully at the tiny redhead, "Do let him know I've dropped by."

"Of course! A visit from such a pretty lady is a shame to miss!"

"Oh my, we've a sweet talker here." She chuckled and pulled from her bag a large crocheted throw, and lay it over Sil, "He needn't return that, I meant for it to be given to him later today when we met for lunch, but something's come up and I've no Time."

"Well--I'll be taking my leave now." She patted off her long skirt, turning to Ignace, "And thank you, he needs a friend."

With that she was off before he could reply.

Leira herself was quite charming with her silky, long, raven hair, a gentle smile ever on her lips, and the comfortable air she surrounded herself with.  

When Sil woke up an hour later, pushing himself up on his arms blearily.

Ignace grinned, "Charice. I like it!"

Sil froze. That woke him up, "What? H-how? Who told you?!"

Ignace just smiled at his flustered appearance, "Is it such a bad thing? It's adorable."

Sil chose then to notice the throw, and muttered, "Leira was here? I must've missed her... "

"She wanted to say 'hi' and give you the throw. A present!"

The other nodded mutely. He had a hunch, having seen Leira working on it for the past month, trying to catch Time in between sessions and during the break. Something about trying a new stitch or pattern or the like, but he knew.

Lacore hadn't been an easy place to settle into, and even now he could hardly say he'd grown accustomed to life there. A majority of the faces he'd seen were anything but friendly, and his own amiability did little for it. But that suited him just fine.

It was those few he met that were, that made it all worthwhile.

In lieu of her absence, he wrapped his arms around Ignace's midsection, and felt an arm returning the gesture.

The woven cloth was soft in his hands and he hugged it to himself. It was a warm feeling.