Welcome back readers! It's good to see all your bright and shining faces again! I finally got to work on this because I've had two snow days in a row! Whoo! After keeping it to the side and letting it brood into tons of different scenes, I grabbed a piece of paper and began brainstorming. Soon I had somewhat of a plot going. I'll have to continue with the rest but this first chapter is just the beginning! I'm glad to be at work once again for this fandom! I hope you enjoy this next installment for the series! Hopefully you all like this first chapter, despite it being not as action packed right from the start...I'm trying to set up the plot you know? *grins*
So for those who want a refresher, go ahead and visit Vengeful Exorcist: Chapter 43 for the first 'snippet' of this chapter. It kind of introduces it. I thought starting it like this would be kind of cool.
Anyhoo...
It's time for the awaited sequel to Vengeful Exorcist...I can't believe I'm actually doing this! Well...here it is...
~.~.~.~.~
A Reclaiming Exorcist
Chapter 1: Untold Secrets
~.~.~.~.~
[Nova]
"You're telling me that you've been found out?" A booming voice echoed throughout the chamber. It was an intimidating even by the sound of it, enough to make someone cringe in fear. That's what I was facing right now. And I was standing right in the middle of all of it.
"After all of the work you've done?" Another voice chimed in, having that accusatory tone. I clenched my fists behind my back, trying not to let my anger to the situation show.
"I knew we shouldn't have let her lead the Head Operations unit. I voted for her to stay where she was but you all apparently believed it was her chance to prove she was worthy to stay here at the Order." The scratchy voice rang in my ears, making me clench my jaw.
I was standing underneath a spotlight, looking up into nothingness. The higher ups of the Order were hidden from view. I couldn't even tell what they looked like. And now they spoke about me as if I wasn't even present. The thought that they didn't believe in my potential grated my nerves.
"Hey, quiet down. Let the girl speak for once."
I kept my composure at the sudden interruption, inwardly glad that whoever they were stopped the argument for my position. Keeping my hands behind me, I cleared my throat as the muttering above me dwindled into silence. To be honest, each time I spoke to these people made me nervous and angry at the same time. They were the top brass of the Black Order. They were the ones who gave the final say in anything.
I was actually talking to them.
"Yes, it was only a few minutes ago when I received the call from one of my Finders. He immediately reported to me that while he was watching one of the men I had sent out, his monitor shut down for about five seconds. Then, he stated that when he got it back up and running, my observer had disappeared, as well as the one who attacked him. We believe that the Masks now know that we have been observing them this entire time." I explained, faintly catching the outraged mutters from one of the men above me. I barely caught 'incapable' and 'degraded' from the murmurs, sparking a fire within me.
"They gave no signs to your observance before though. Why would they suddenly move now and attack one of your own?" It was the voice that had interrupted the argument from before. They had a calm and patient tone that made me instantly recognize his superiority.
"That's what I've been thinking, sir. We hope to find more reasons as to why, but I do believe that you will take us off of this mission."
"What makes you think I want you to stop observing them?"
I blinked in silence for a moment.
"It's because we've been found out, sir. They know we're watching them."
"Yes, I do know that, Ms. Krest, but that doesn't mean stop observing them. We must make these Masks aware that we follow their every move; that we're trying to get under their skin, to try and know more about them. That is the reason we asked you to send out a team, isn't it?"
"…it is, sir." I bit out despite the voice in the back of my head saying: They must know something about these guys. Why couldn't they just tell me? Maybe because they want to test you?
"Good then," His tone seemed pleased.
"But if I may ask?"
"What is it now?" The intimidating voice spat back, annoyance evident in his features. Though I wouldn't know since I can't see him. I suppressed the urge to scowl at his words and his attitude towards me. They weren't exactly helping with the situation.
"I'd like to release another party in order to search for my missing exorcist, sir. There is a possibility that he could be injured and I would like to retrieve him as soon as possible to discuss more about this incident."
There was a beat of silence. It was an eternity for me.
"I'm afraid I can't do that, Ms. Krest."
"I don't think I follow, sir."
"You see…we don't want you to have too much on your plate. Besides, what if your exorcist doesn't want to be found? Perhaps it would be better for him to not be searched for when it seems as though the Masks are targeting him. Wouldn't that be wise?" I felt my cheeks heat up at the one point I missed, embarrassment running through my blood. I could tell the slightly amused tone in that man's voice. To think I was beginning to like him out of all of them. Now I just despise all of them.
"…yes, sir," I clearly stated, trying not to grind my teeth in anger at their attitudes towards me.
"Very well then, continue your observations and this time, be much more careful about your surroundings, Ms. Krest."
I let out a slow breath before nodding my head, the spotlight above me clicking off. Turning on my heel, I let my curled fists hang by my sides as I calmly stormed out of the room. Once the door behind me clicked shut, I released my boiling anger in a shaky breath, pressing the palms of my hands into my head. Leaning against the door, I raised my head to see Komui staring at me with a hopeful expression.
"I'm guessing it didn't go so well?"
"They act like I'm not even there half the time! They all hate my guts and want nothing to do with me! They all think that I'm not fit for the job and don't think I'm worthy enough to lead the Head Operations. And now they refuse for me to search for Cross because they think that he could be a target of the Masks, which I don't disagree with. Ugh, can I just punch their cocky, conceited faces for once?!" I exclaimed as I heard my voice echo through the hall.
"No matter what, they're still superior to you and me, Nova. So we have to ultimately obey. Anyhow, did they let you continue the observations?" Komui inquired as he took my by the arm and began walking down the hall.
"Surprisingly, yes, I half expected them to just say, 'no, you've done enough damage, you'll be demoted' or something like that." I said as I glanced at him quickly. He didn't seem to have a reaction. He seemed to be deep in thought about something.
"I still feel like they know something about the Masks though." I offered, hoping to gain some sort of reaction from the Chief of the Black Order. His attention swerved towards me, his purple eyes meeting my own.
"Like what?"
"Maybe what the Masks want?"
"That could be a possibility. You should start thinking about that. What they want. If they attacked Cross so suddenly, after all this time of inactivity, there must be a reason."
"Hm, I suppose I should. I'll do it after Herrman and Victoria come back." Expecting some sort of response from the Chief, I didn't get it. Turning my head, I caught the look that seemed like he was deep in thought again.
"Is there…something on your mind, Komui?"
"Yes…it's about the project you told me about, the one from about a month ago?"
I raised an eyebrow, curious. He hasn't mentioned this topic in a while. I was beginning to think it wasn't such a good idea but now I guess I was wrong. He might agree to it.
"What about it?"
"Do you mind if I see it? I know you've been keeping it to yourself, making it all by your hand, but I would…just like to see it."
"You mean, make some adjustments?" I said with a wide grin on my lips. I couldn't wait to show him. A look of embarrassment appeared on his face as he met my gaze.
"Y-ye—I would just like to see it."
I let out a chuckle as I looped my arm through his, happy to lead to the way.
"Sure thing, Chief, I'm positive that you'll love it."
~.~.~.~.~
[Kanda]
A pair of Innocence colored eyes peered up at me from the dining table. She was actually sitting on the bench, taking up most of the space. The only amount of space was for me to occupy. The beautiful green colored eyes blinked twice before she let out a yawn, her long pink tongue stretching. Feeling a smile on the corner of my lips, I placed a hand onto her fur, stroking her softly. Tigress let out a low purr as she cuddled closer to my lap, practically placing her huge head into it.
It was just us two at the table today. The Usagi and Moyashi were both on a mission together and Lenalee was out as well. Victoria was out on a mission, Sam was doing who knows what, who knows where, leaving me and Tigress to have the company to ourselves. It would be just us till another hour, and then Nova would be able to drop by. I was glad that she was in a position where she felt comfortable. She seemed to fit for the job, though I can't say that I miss her when I'm out on my own missions.
"Hey!"
I nearly choked on my soba noodles. Landing in a coughing fit, I startled Tigress off of my lap as I snatched my cup to down the remains of my food.
"What is it?" I growled out as I slammed down the cup of tea onto the table. Finally looking at the person who startled the living hell out of my soba noodles, a scowl appeared on my lips as I met her bright, fluttery gaze.
"Sorry! I didn't mean to scare you, Kanda. I just wanted to see what was up?" Green emerald eyes peered back at me, her face framed by a short head of strawberry blonde locks. Her bangs were to the side, a simple headband on her head.
Lyra, Nova's apprentice. More commonly known as the Exorcist Assistant. It was Nova's position before she moved to Head Operations.
"What do you want?"
"Nothing! I just don't have anyone to talk to, is all!"
"…And you thought that coming to me would give you a conversation."
"Well…I'm having one right now, aren't I?" My eyebrow twitched at her similar personality to Nova's. It's like I was talking to another one of her, just in a completely different body.
"Right, well you already know that I'm not much of a talkative person. So, would you mind?" I suggested, glancing to the side. I really wasn't in the mood to talk to her. I mean…I could tell that she had an attraction towards me. I'm pretty sure she knew that I knew which made things slightly awkward between us. Ever since she became Nova's apprentice and caught sight of me, she was coming at me nonstop. Did she not know I was with Nova?
"Aw, but I like talking to you, Kanda! Don't push me away!" Lyra exclaimed as she gave me a fake pout, her eyebrows furrowing. I placed my hand onto Tigress's back, her head appearing back into my lap.
"Sorry, but…I've got other plans." I lamely came up with an excuse, gathering my food to throw away. I just didn't want to be around someone I didn't really know that well. But hey, wasn't that the same way with Nova?
Before I could even stand up, my tray was snatched from beneath my fingertips, whisked away from Lyra. I could only sit there in gaping silence as she threw away my stuff for me. Great, now I didn't have a reason to leave. Of course I feel bad for doing this to her, but I'm just not a people person. The only person who can actually stand me is Nova.
"There! Now we can chat!" Lyra excitedly said as she held her chin in her hands. Her personality was so bubbly I think I might have just twitched my eye. It was so similar to Nova's.
I have no idea how she even became Nova's apprentice. All I know is that she suddenly appeared at the Order, and was given to Nova for apprenticeship. Which I didn't get. Was it the higher up's way of testing if she could handle it in order to stay here? I can't even tell whether this girl can be serious enough to give out orders.
"I really have to go." I stated as I patted Tigress to get up. She hopped off of the bench, her tail swishing as she let out another yawn. I stood up, giving a frowning Lyra a nod before turning away with Tigress by my side.
"I'll get to talk to you for real someday, Kanda!" Lyra shouted behind me, hearing the amusement in her voice as I waved a hand back at her. Heading out of the dining hall, I turned the corner and glanced down at the tiger strolling beside me. She had an amused look in her Innocence colored eyes.
"Don't tell me you didn't notice." I muttered under my breath as the tiger tilted her head at me. She blinked a few times in silence before giving me a nod. I already knew she could understand humans. "Of course you did."
As Tigress and I walked through the halls in silence, we passed a couple of Finders on their way to the dining hall.
"Hey, you hear about those Masks guys?"
"Yeah, apparently they attacked Nova's unit!"
"What? No way! I wonder what happened."
"Hopefully her team is okay."
I was speed walking now, heading straight for her office. She must be furious by now. Her care for her men out in the field could challenge no other. She cared about everyone in each unit. Tigress easily caught up with me, an alarmed look in her emerald eyes.
"Its fine, Tigress, I'm sure everything is all right." I said as I opened the door to her office. I expected her to be a fire breathing dragon of a mess, a slight panicked look in her silver eye, but I didn't encounter any of that.
She wasn't in her office.
My hand still wrapped around the knob of the door, I closed it shut as I tried of think of where she could be. I wanted to be there for her, if she needed me. Glancing at her pet tiger, I came up with nothing, and just decided to go to the places she went to most.
~.~.~.~.~
[Komui]
I stood in front of it, awed at its shape and form. She had done such a great job of it that I almost forgot that she possessed no Innocence at all. We were in a room down in the Science Division, created just for this purpose. She had asked me to hold off a room for her, but she wouldn't tell me the reason. She did about two months later. Now I was gazing at what seemed like a masterpiece.
The emblem that was etched into the metal was of the Black Order, beautifully done. Its silver blade had an intricate design that contrasted Nova's calm personality that could snap around and become lethally cold. The size of it seemed perfect for her, seeming light enough to carry even with one hand.
"I told you, you would love it, didn't I?" Nova beamed at me, her brunette hair pulled out of its bun. Her silver eye was bright with excitement as she watched my reaction. I could only blink silence as I turned to her, trying to make sense of what she was doing right now.
"So you want to go back into the field? Is that why you created something like this?"
"I didn't make it all by myself, you know. I only drew what I wanted it to look like. General Klaud and a blacksmith I know helped me with the rest." She said as her grin started to slide away from her lips. She was beginning to address the subject.
"But yes…I've just been having thoughts about it."
"You know we can't have you out there unless it's absolutely necessary. You have no—"
"Innocence, I know, Komui. I probably won't be going into the field anytime soon, but I thought I would just show you what I made."
"Oh…well it's a beautiful sword, Nova." I praised as I saw the light return in her eye. I put a comforting hand on her shoulder as her gaze slid over to her creation, marveling at its beauty.
"I just don't know if I'll use it." She whispered, her voice quiet. I gave her a sad smile before taking a step away from her, about to take my leave.
"Do you think I'll be able to go back one day?"
I stopped in my tracks, turning around to face the young woman.
"I do. You were once an exorcist and you'll always be one, no matter what."
A small hopeful smile appeared on Nova's lips, making me smile in return.
"Thanks, Komui."
Nodding my head, I exited the room, letting Nova be alone for a while. As I exited the Science Division doors, I nearly collided into Kanda and Tigress, who looked disheveled. Already knowing, I gave him a small smile and gestured behind me. Understanding, he beckoned for Tigress to follow and nodded towards me, entering the Science Division doors.
I really do believe she'll be back in the field one day. She just needed to realize when.
~.~.~.~.~
[Nova]
As I heard the door to my special room creak open, I turned my head slightly. Seeing Tigress's orange fur out of the corner of my eye, I smiled at who it was, moving to fully face them. Kanda looked completely unkempt, a wild look in his dark eyes as he met my gaze.
"Hey," I softly greeted as he took a hesitant step towards me.
"Hi, I heard about your unit." He said, his gaze moving towards the weapon behind me before meeting my silver eye. "You okay?"
I nodded as he came closer, his scent wafting out towards me. I reached out towards him and soon I had him in a gentle hug, my face buried into his shoulder.
"What is this?" He inquired, catching me off guard. That's right. I didn't tell him either. Pulling away from him, I turned around as lightly stroked the blade that was on top of the wooden table. His chest pressed into my back as his hands surrounded both sides of me, reaching out to hold the sword.
"It's my weapon…for…" I trailed off, my words jammed into my throat.
"For…when you go out into the field?" Kanda completed my sentence, his lips right next to my ear, making chills go up my spine.
"If. If I go out into the field,"
"You're not sure if you want to?" I remained silent, not even sure yet.
"…It's a beautiful blade, Nova." His breath tickled my ear as his arms pulled away from the sword to wrap around me. I grinned at his compliment, turning around to face him.
"I just…don't know when I'll use it." I hesitantly said, meeting his gaze. He stared deep into my soul, his dark eyes pulling me in. I caught the slightly annoyed look in his eyes and felt a grin tugging on my lips.
"Has Lyra been bothering you again?"
The look on his face gave it all away. A smirk spread across my lips as I kept my hands around his neck.
"She likes you a lot you know."
"Oh, are you getting jealous?" This time my smirk slid off as one appeared on Kanda's lips.
"No, I'm not." He chuckled as his lips brushed my cheek, a blush rising up my neck.
"Are you seriously thinking of joining us again?"
"…like I said those months ago, I'll join if it's absolutely necessary."
"Like you'll stick to your word," I smiled despite my words, burying my face into his shoulder again.
It's not like I'll ever tell anyone about my nightmares; that they continue to haunt me with the dead people of the past. The scent as well as the blood still imprinted behind my eyelids. It's nothing I would go around spouting about. They just make me a bit…afraid.
Of what could happen now.
~.~.~.~.~
[Victoria]
It took two days to get back to the Order and the Finders on this unit were beginning to lose it. I was slowly beginning to lose it. Cross had disappeared for goodness sake. To have done it so quickly was beyond my understanding. All the blood in that room…I suppressed the urge to shudder as our unit clambered out of the train and onto the platform. Walking quickly in a desperate attempt to get out of the crowded space, I beckoned for the others to follow with a glance over my shoulder.
"Let's move it." I ordered as the others hurried to catch up with me, their luggage being jostled around by the sheer amount of people running across the platform.
One of those from the Masks had attacked Cross without our knowing, which was impossible because we were watching him the entire time. But then all our eyes were brought down, giving that person the time they needed. I gritted my teeth at the failed mission as the group booked it back to the Order, wandering through the bustling crowd of the town.
A light tap on my shoulder caught my attention. It was Herrmann, looking as freaked out as that same night. His thin rimmed glasses kept slipping down his nose as he walked. "I-I apologize for my lack of efficiency during this mission,"
I raised an eyebrow as I glanced over at him, blinking for a moment. "You don't need to apologize. We were all caught off guard."
"B-but I—" I cut him off as I turned towards him with a slight frown on my lips.
"You're not to blame for the unsuccessful outcome of this mission, understand Herrmann?" He nodded at my words, still having that reluctant look in his eyes. "Good, let's keep going! I want to talk to Nova about this immediately!" I called out to the others, hearing the chorus of 'yes!' as a sign to continue.
We jammed ourselves into the newly installed elevator and rode our way up to the first floor. As the bell dinged, I was the first one to step out followed by the others. As I walked through the halls at a fast pace, Herrmann puffed as he caught up with me, going into a mild jog. He was quite slow for someone so slim. The other members of the unit had dispersed, no doubt going to their rooms to crash.
As I burst into Nova's office with a bang, Herrmann was right behind me as I rushed in, seeing her wide eyed gaze directed at us. Her hair was pulled into its strict bun again, her black eye patch having the crest of the Black Order on it. The first thing she did as Herrmann and I came in was extend her arms and pull us into a huge hug.
"I'm so glad you guys aren't hurt." She breathed in our ears before she pulled back. The look in her eyes was pure relief. I smiled in return, giving her a nod as she leaned against her desk. I handed her most of Cross's things: his jacket, his box of cigarettes, that white mask of his. He had forgotten most of his possessions excluding his own Innocence.
"I'm happy that you're back and all but I suppose we'll have to address the situation now." Nova began as she gave the both us a serious frown, the bright look in her eye gone. "Cross is gone…what was the scene like when you went into the room?"
I cleared my throat as the images came flying back. "The blood seemed to be mostly around where Cross was apparently standing. But then there was another pile of blood about a foot or two away from him, probably his attacker. Cross's blood led to the balcony, only to disappear. And his attacker's didn't seem to go anywhere, which concerns me." Nova took in the information with flying colors, thumbing the bottom of her lip in thought.
"Meaning that those Masks must have some sort of power. They must be able to disappear somehow." She suggested as she met my gaze, arching a brow at her idea. I shrugged at the possibility as I took a glance over Herrmann by my side, signaling for him to go.
"U-uh like I said before…both of their signatures just suddenly went up and 'poofed' away. It was really strange."
"Will the higher ups let you conduct a search for Cross?" I inquired as I saw a flame of anger burn in Nova's silver eye. A deep frown appeared on her lips as she pulled her thumb away from her lips.
"No, they believe that he may be a target. No matter how much I want to send out a party, I can't. I understand their point." She supplied as she let out a sharp sigh, bringing a hand up to her face. I noticed that she looked exhausted.
"Hmm, well what're you going to do now?"
"Continue observing I suppose. Don't worry; I'll do as much investigating on these guys as much as I can, if I can get my hands on any existing information about them. For now…just get some rest and I'll deploy another team to a Finder keeping tabs on their locations. You did have someone tab them, right?"
"Don't worry one of the Finders already did. He'll give you the information soon, maybe after he's finished catching up on his sleep."
Nova nodded with a closed eye as she turned and took a swig of water from a cup. As I observed her closely, I only began to note the light bags under her eyes. She was trying to use make up to cover the rest of it. Narrowing my eyes, I saw that her whole complexion seemed a bit duller than usual. It wasn't as bright and radiant. Strange.
"Anyway, go ahead and get some rest, Victoria." She said, trying to mask her fatigue. I nodded and turned to Herrmann, allowing him to leave first. As he left, I stopped walking and slightly turned my body towards her.
"Are you alright, Nova?" I inquired, concerned for my friend's condition. Ever since she brought me out of Avon's grasp, I have been indebted to her. I don't know how to repay her for what she's done for me, but somehow helping her out by being in her unit helps a little bit.
"Yeah…I'm just tired, is all." She quietly replied, her voice soft and weary. Her silver eye met my own, flickering with something I couldn't quite understand. For the first time since I've been with her, she seemed almost scared of something. I just couldn't see what.
"I see…well if you need anything, I'm right here."
The look was gone when she beamed a natural smile at me.
"Thanks, Victoria."
~.~.~.~.~
[Cross]
"Thanks, love." The servant at the hotel I was presently at handed me a plate of bandages, giving me a small smile as I shut the door in her face.
Heading over to the bathroom, I glanced into the mirror to see the still bleeding wound in my shoulder. I managed to get the bullet out since the two days I've been here, but stitching the wound up was another matter entirely. It hurt like hell when I somehow sowed up the wound myself. Now all I needed was to bandage it properly and I was all set to go.
How I managed to escape in such a short amount of time appalled even me. By the time that man had fired at me, and I the same, I was already vaulting myself over the balcony rail. However, in the split second before that, the damn bullet lodged into my shoulder before I went, making my escape a tad more difficult.
As soon as I was alerted to that man's presence, I knew that I was a target. For what reason? I wasn't exactly sure yet, but lately I've been having my suspicions. Within seconds I was out of that place, leaving the unit I was in in a frenzy. I had booked it to the nearest train, ripping off a section of my shirt to keep the wound from leaving a trail and arrived at my current destination as of this moment.
Now I was here, bandaging my own wound as I thought of what purpose these Masks had. They were targeting me but I hadn't been doing anything rambunctious to catch their attention. They didn't even know who I was and yet the man who attacked me said my name. As I wrapped up the wound, I glanced into the mirror and saw the old scars of the past, bringing back a bunch of memories.
How did they know who I was? Our unit was in the shadows for so long. They wouldn't have been able to get any information on us unless they knew us from some sort of inside person. Which they don't have. There hasn't been anyone suspicious for a while now. I tried to think back of times in the past where some major things were developing. Throwing some options out of the way, I was left with only one definite possibility that might be the answer.
Before I had even met Nova, I already knew of her mother. Back when she was still alive. She and I were actually close as comrades. One day, Cynthia had trusted me with something I would never be able to forget. Her most trusted secret. And that might be what the Masks' goal is. My gut weighing on this possibility, I wandered over to the small amount of items I had with me: my pouch of money, Timcampy my golem (yes I took him from Allen), and the clothes on my back. Not much. Sighing, I knew I had to get this message to Nova somehow. I needed her to look into it and make sure that I'm not right. If I'm right, then things just got a whole lot more serious than before.
I scrambled for the piece of paper and pen by the nightstand and began scribbling the words I needed Nova to read. Then, signing it with a single letter, I rolled it up and wandered over to Timcampy who was sleeping peacefully on top of my bed. Peering down at him with a small frown, I lightly tapped his head, waking him up. Fluttering its wings, its head gestured towards the rolled up paper in my hand.
"Open wide," Placing the roll of paper in its huge mouth, I watched as he closed his mouth, keeping the note hidden inside his own body.
"You won't be with me for a while, but you know how to find me." I quietly said as I patted my live golem's head for a moment.
"Take it to the Order, will you?" I cupped him in my hand as I gathered all of my things, slipping on a new shirt that one of the ladies downstairs kindly gave to me. Along with the coat they generously gave, I slipped Timcampy under it as I exited the room.
As I nodded towards the manager in the lobby, having already paid the fee, I left the hotel and wandered into the cold night. My breath coming out in puffs, I merged with the still bustling city and gave Timpcampy one last thumb over before pulling him out and tossing him lightly into the air. Not even glancing back, I knew that he was already rocketing towards the Black Order with my message.
If things were exactly as I had just figured them out to be, then these Masks were more than just a slight disturbance.
~.~.~.~.~
I did say I would increase the chapter length didn't I? X3 So now that the plot has been set and the wheels have begun turning, I hope you enjoyed this chapter! I hope that this first chapter has been good enough to grab you by the collar and pull you into the story~
And one more thing, as an author, I'll do my best to reply back to your reviews. I believe that that is the best gift I can give you all, other than posting a new chapter for you to read. :)
If you have snow out there, do be careful and I wish you all a wonderful day!
-FallenWing21