Pierson tilted his head in confusion at Leo's question. "What do you mean?" "What's the reason? How can you remain so calm when fighting someone like Asahi or Kenji? How did you even get this strong, anyway?" "How....I got strong?" Pierson looked up to the sky and remained quiet. The breeze rustled his hair softly.
"It's simple, really. I just hate losing."
"You hate losing? That's it?" "Exactly." "I don't get it. How can just hating to lose make you so like this...." "Think about it, White-hair. When you truly hate losing, it becomes a part of you. Every setback, every challenge, every fight – it's all about not experiencing that feeling of loss. It pushes you to your limits, forces you to improve." "But isn't there more to it? Like fighting for something you believe in or protecting someone?"
Pierson sighed before he continued," Don't you remember how it was for you back in the first lab? Since you were a D class back there, you were constantly ragdolled, like a piece of crap. Me, personally, I cant tolerate that! For someone to look down on you, to think of you as a lesser being. Sure, those things can be motivating too. But for me, the core of it is that burning hatred for losing. It keeps me sharp, focused. When you despise losing, you don't allow it to happen. You find a way to win, no matter what..."
"So, it's that simple for you? If that is so....why do you follow Asahi then? We can both tell he's far stronger than he let's on, and besides....he has never even used his god ability...not even once." "That's because the captain is different. Even when he defeated me, the was a look in his eyes that i understood. It wanted me to get stronger. It didnt gloat over the victory...he celebrated with my weakness, and wanted me to surpass that state of power." Pierson lept up to his feet, brushing himself off. "You may not understand it, but it's just as I have said....My pride...won't let me lose." He then walked by Leo, leaving him to his thoughts.
"Kenji has something to protect, and Pierson doesn't want to lose....What about you, Asahi? How...is it...that you keep fighting?" Leo balled his fist and headed towards the cabin. Once he opened it's door, Kenji, Pierson and Asahi were already exiting. "Where....where are all of you going?" "To take a swim!" Pierson responded in excitement. They all rushed out, almost knocking him aside. "Guys, wait-" They paid no heed and rushed down to the river bank. Leo sighed and started running speedily, following them. The late afternoon sun cast a golden tinge over the riverbank, the gentle rustling of leaves blending with the chirping of distant birds. The waters were clear and crystalline, their reflections dancing on it's surface.
Kenji and Asahi wasted no time, shedding their clothes with recklessly. Their laughter rang out, carefree, as they leapt into the cool, refreshing water. Splashes erupted around them, droplets catching the light and turning into tiny prisms in the air.
Pierson, despite his arm in a cast,sat at the edge of the water, his legs submerged, and playfully flicked water at the others. "What are you doing,White hair? Join 'em!" he called out, a mischievous glint in his eye.Leo stood at the bank, his feet just touching the water, hesitant to join in. The sun highlighted the uncertainty on his face. But before he could step back, Pierson's good arm shot out, giving him a firm push. Leo stumbled forward, arms flailing as he splashed into the water with an indignant yelp.
"Pierson!" Leo shouted, his voice a mix of irritation and amusement. He emerged, dripping and sputtering. "I'm going to kill you!"
Pierson's laughter echoed, a sound that was quickly joined by Kenji and Asahi's. Leo lunged, his movements sending waves through the water as he chased after Pierson. The cast on Pierson's arm limited his mobility, and he stumbled away, trying to escape Leo.Kenji and Asahi paused in their splashing to watch the scene, their faces beaming. "Dont spare him, Leo!" Kenji cheered, whiles Asahi snickered.Kenji doubled over with laughter, his hands slapping the water as he watched the two friends circle each other in the shallows. "You should've seen your face, Leo!" he gasped between his laughter.
After the whole spectacle was over, they all hurried back to the bank and drying themselves out. Just as Asahi was clothing himself, Leo,Pierson and Kenji noticed it. "What's that, Captain?" Kenji pointed it out. Leo gasped as a perplexed expression etched into Pierson's face. It was a tattoo-like mark,etched in his skin. It was the number 13, with an ominous outline of an eye right next to it.
Pierson and Leo mind immediately shifted to the two they had met recently.
"That mark....it's just...like Rae's-!"
"Isn't that the same type....of mark...."