Chapter 12: Weak but not Cute
A door slammed in the quiet of the Guiding Division, and Kellen glanced at the two Espers who were used to this area. Neither seemed concerned, only mildly confused. Kellen watched as a flushed faced, tall wisp of a man came around the corner into view. His gray eyes were frantic, and his wavy brown hair was spiked all over his head. His glasses were large, giant circles, held together by a thin frame of silver metal, unable to hide how bright his cheeks were. He was pulling a long medical jacket tighter around his frame, the uniform underneath the jacket telling Kellen he was a Guide.
Behind him a larger man followed. The man was built like a tank, huge shoulders, huge biceps, huge thighs. His face was stern, his brown eyes intently staring at the smaller man. His blond hair felt like it didn't suit him, even when he kept it short. The uniform he wore strained against the breadth of his chest, and Kellen found himself unconsciously intercepting him as he chased the smaller man.
"Are you Casper?" He asked the smaller man, and both of them paused what they were doing. Kellen pulled the lollipop out of his mouth and watched them. The man assumed to be Casper turned an even brighter shade of red, and a huge part of Kellen felt sympathy for the man. He had a feeling he knew exactly what he was going through right now, but in a different way. He didn't seem happy about this. Casper looked over Kellen, taking in the fact he wore the Captain's oversized jacket with Guiding Center B's scrubs underneath, no shoes, and the fact that Kellen was as pale as a ghost and the skin on his face was shallow from overusing his powers. He then flicked his eyes behind the Guide to stare at everyone there. He paled at the sight of the Captain, or at least Kellen assumed he had since he personally hadn't taken his eyes off of the Esper behind Casper.
"I am Lieutenant Casper, yes. Who am I speaking to?" He asked stiffly, and Kellen smiled, twirling the lollipop in his hand.
"I'm Kellen Woods, formerly of Guiding Center B as of about 15 minutes ago. I'm here because I'm going to need your help. For reasons I can't say in front of so many people yet, I've been recruited into the Guild." Kellen had turned on the charm, speaking in his perfect Guide voice. Ms. Hill's muffled laughter could be heard behind them, while Casper's lips twitched slightly.
"A new hire huh? What Class are you?" He asked and Kellen smiled serenely.
"I can't tell you that with so many people around." Lieutenant Casper furrowed his brow at that.
"But that's a totally normal question. I can't help you if I don't know at least that information." He protested and Kellen nodded, still twirling the lollipop.
"I absolutely understand that. Is it alright if we continue this conversation in your office? I can explain everything there, Lieutenant Casper." Casper sensed something was up, narrowing his eyes suspiciously before glancing behind the new Guide again. Kellen assumed he got a positive answer because he sighed, running his hand through his spiky hair before nodding.
"Alright, we'll move to my office." He turned to go back in the direction he had just fled from, but so did the Esper. Quickly, Kellen moved and put himself in between the Esper and Lieutenant Casper. The Esper stared down at him in confusion.
"What are you doing?" He demanded, and Casper spun to watch them.