Disclaimed: dgm belonged to hoshino-sensei
Chapter 1 - The Flight
"Can you handle it alone?" asked a voice somewhere in the dark corner of London. It was a cold and rainy night. The waving sounds of the storming river were crashing through the hollow city. At a time like this, most people were out of the street; only two figures were standing on the empty street under the heavy rain, not far away from the port.
She threw a glance at the standing man next to her as the other began to walk away towards downtown. "Yes, so please don't be worry, everything will turn out right," whispered the girl softly, her voice was damped by the never-ending rain. Here and there, some lanterns shone weakly on the roadside of London as the rest of the town was hidden into the darkness.
"It that something you know or hope for?" questioned the man with a hint of sarcasm in it while trying to figure out their current location. Seriously, why did he always have to get involved with such a stupid optimistic person? Knowing fully well what kind of danger she let herself in she still wanted to protect the most important thing to her. They were just the same, no matter how hard this little missy tried to denial it. She reminded him so much of Allen and someone else he was once indebted to.
It was a risk at the beginning. They both knew it. After seven thousand years of sleep, the heart had finally awakened. It would be a matter of time until the order or the earl eventually found the hidden heart. They had to be careful with each step of their plan. Just one mistake and everything would be over. Losing the heart would mean losing the war and the world would fall into the three days of darkness like it had seven thousand years ago. Everything had changed in the past decades. Akuma and Innocence were developed. They were struggling for more power by testing the will of humans in the nonsense of tragedies. That was why they were here, to prevent the worse case scenario from happening just like a long time ago. They cannot trust anyone else, not even the order. The central was willing to sacrifice one of the few Exorcists that were still alive, as letting the truth about another side of war coming out and losing their honoured holy war against the duke millennium. How much could a single person change the predetermined future?
Not knowing what to say, the other had stopped and fell into silence for a while, looking directly at the speaker while searching for the right answer. They calmly faced each other while the chilly wind ripped through them, leaving behind the feeling of loneliness. Only the sounds of heavy raindrops on the pavement surrounded them on this deserted place.
"The Innocence and the heart are linked. As long as the heart stays alive, we can use its power to defeat the earl and destroy the Akuma. If it's something you're concerned about." Cold and merciless were the words that were spoken. Ridicule was clearly in that tender voice towards the heart that disgusted heart that will destroy anything and everything with its love. She rubbed her freezing cheek lightly with both hands as she continued to stare pryingly at the red-haired man.
Even though his face was calm, there was a hint of anxiety written on his face. He never admitted it loud to anyone, but to him Allen Walker was like the son he never had. Marian Cross was a man who thought about himself first and was never concerned about the other person and their feelings. Now, he was worried about his stupid apprentice whom he had slowly begun to become fond of. Fate was cruel indeed, making people suffer for the sin of another, thought the smaller figure to herself as she thought about the white-haired boy. Such a pitiful buffoon fools on this endlessly absurd play. Then an ironic smile spread on her infantile features. The other Exorcists and she were nothing but marionettes moved around by an invisible hand too.
"Are you worried about your disciple Allen Walker?" the girl asked the ex-general of the black order curiously, remembering the past days event that took place in the new headquarters.
Quickly and with an indifferent voice the redhead man answered as he turned his head away, facing the windy rain of October. "No, but I need someone to pay my debts, Missy. And he is no longer my disciple; he's now on the position of a general. So would you like to lead the way to the nearby inn? It's raining cats and dogs, if you can see," added Cross with a mocking tone, changing the subject of his concern.
Pointing her index finger towards the sleeping city before her, the girl started to walk away from the former Exorcist. "In the south-east direction of London there is a small inn near the Thames named White Lilly. We can stay there for awhile and nobody will look after you there," she glanced at the tall man behind her. "That is, as long as you stay quiet."
'But that would be impossible for you,' thought the girl in silence. She had met many different people in her life but like never before someone like Cross Marian confronted her. The now former Exorcist nature amused her to no end.
The sounds of footsteps mixing with the noisy falling rain echoed through the empty streets of London as two figures walked under the cold night. The heavy atmosphere hung around them like a think blanket as they continued to follow the dark side road towards the inn. Cursing lightly, the smaller one began to walking faster towards the nearby inn.
"Aren't you cold?" asked the girl irritably.
They had been travelling through England for the last few days, from the new headquarters to London. It seemed that the weather got steadily worse after they left the old castle behind. Soaking wet and terribly tired from the long journey, the girl gripped her thin mantel tightly around her. She only wore a white blouse and black skirt underneath. Now she regretted her choice of clothes. Fortunately, rainwater did not found its way inside her boots too. How she looked forward to going into the inn thought the youngster as she swept her wet short dark hair from her face. The weather on this lonely island exhausted her to no end. So unpredictable and annoying, like a pregnant woman with a mood swing. Absorbed in her own thoughts, a warm hand wrapped itself around her small trembling shoulders.
"What?" queried the older man amused. His smirk, half-covered from the long red hair, grew wider with the peek glare he received, and he pulled her closer to him. "What kind of man am I if I left a small little girl freezing to death before my eyes?"
Gazes locked as he observed the younger one. Dark hair and pale face that was drenched from rain underlined even more the girl's innocent and fragile appearance. He felt pity for this chosen one. Not only her but for all of the supposed God's Apostles. Then he sighed. This sentimental mindset did not suit him. Maybe he shouldn't spend too much time with this little idiot.
"A perverted indebted womanizer with an alcohol problem who can't keep his hands by himself, maybe?" she responded bluntly.
It had been nearly six months since their paths crossed. Thanks to the red hair person next to her, she had suffered a lot of trauma during their journey together. She wondered how Allen Walker stayed by this man side for more than five years without committing suicide or murder yet. Waking up middle in the night by a loud screaming voice that yelled, "Oh god, oh god, YESSS!!!" (or sounds she did not wish to hear) nearly every week could drive you crazy after awhile.
An annoyed sigh escaped the taller man's lips. "You are no fun at all, Missy. Relax sometimes, it won't hurt, you know. And I thought you cared for me," added Marian in a fake sadden tone while searching for his cigarette in the black mantel he wore and lit his cigarette quickly. The rain had almost stopped. Only small raindrops had fallen on this part of London. Looking at Marian she had to sigh in defeat. This man always gave her a headache.
"If I didn't care you'd already be dead, Cross," answered the younger one indifferently. No lies, no pretending. In a way, they were companions, but even so, they just used each other to achieve their own goals. Feelings were only a distraction, no more.
"Let's hurry," she cut out abruptly while trying to swallow down the uneasiness she felt in her heart. "Renge might be going crazy from worry." It didn't matter, what she wished. The duties that bound her to this dark side of the world would never end. Feeling the warm strong arm around her, the girl kept walking. After passing some buildings they finally came to the road of the inn they were searching for. "From here on we just have to walk straightforward."
Right, just straightforward and keep on moving…
Marian threw a questioning glance at his companion as he heard a loud chuckle. 'Did that girl finally lose her mind?' Next time he had to remember not to let the girl to drink coffee and let her eat too much sweet.
"Na, I just remembered what Mana said a long time ago," said the black-hair girl warmly as if she knew what he was thinking. "Don't stop and keep on moving. That what he has said, right?" told she softly, a genuine smile upon her pale face. "Mana and the musician, both of them. It's sad isn't it?" Without herself noticing it, her oblivious words made her companion recall unwanted memories inside his heart.
Looking at nothing the taller man stopped in front of the small inn. He face saddened a bit as he remembered about the past events in his life. He blew the last clouds of smoke into the chilly air before throwing the cigarette away as he glared absently at the starless night. How many people had lost their lives because of this useless war? The Exorcists and the Noah were nothing but just only brainless tools used to sacrifice to a heartless god.
The White Lilly was shabbier than he thought. To tell the truth, it was under his class. Cross glared questioningly at his companion as he deliberated whether to stay outside or go inside.
"Don't look at me like that," complained the little missy annoyingly. "Excuse me that our budget is short right now, thanks to some idiot. The innkeeper was nice enough to let us stay for only half the price."
'Cheapskate,' thought the man secretly while wiping the raindrops off his face with a handkerchief. It was much easier to let Allen or the moron Noah pay his mountains of debts. Pushing the thin wood door aside, the womanizer stepped into the warm room, followed silently by his younger partner. To his surprise, the hall was clear and welcome. Then Cross remembered where the person behind him really came from. What kind of life she used to live until now. Sounds of people's talks echoed through the illuminated room as the tall man observed his new environment. The space was subdivided into two sections: The one on his right side stood a bar with six or seven stools that were being use by some customers now. Near the counter was a stair that led to the second floor while cheap-looking wood chairs and tables filled the empty area on his left side.
"Oh my sweetheart!" shouted an old woman from the bar loudly as she saw the newcomers step into the room. Quickly the grey haired woman, who wore a plain blue dress with long sleeves, ran towards them and hugged the shorter girl firmly. "Where have you been for the last few days dear? Renge and I were worried about you," said the innkeeper concernedly. "Look at you. All wet and tired!" The child smiled weakly as she looked at her host. A furious glance was thrown at the other person as she caressed the pale cheek tenderly. "And you Mister! What kind of parent are you? How could you leave your two petite daughters alone in this kind of place?" scolded Madam Lichtenbough madly. Why shouldn't she? One day this small one just disappeared, leaving her elder sister alone in the inn without saying anything (The only thing she got from Renge was: "Mama was going to look for papa Cross"). Even though this young miss was smarter than the children of the same age were, she still worried about her. An eight-year-old child shouldn't be wandering alone on the street. Who knew what kind of bad thing might happen to her?
"Excused me, madam," said Cross gentle while took the hand from the innkeeper gentlemanlike towards his mouth. Placing a soft kiss on the warm skin he ignored the wry look he got from the youngster. "There must be a misunderstanding." Enchanted by the charming smile that was given to her, Madam Lichtenbough blushed firmly from head to toe. "I am not their parent, but only their guardian," explained the ex-Marshall softly, eyes never left his respondent.
"Oh, I am so sorry, Mister Cross," Embarrassed by her own mistake while she withdrawn her hand shyly from the man touch. "Oh dear my lord, you two are soaking wet! First, take a warm bath and change into something dry and warm!" she commanded. "I will let my girl prepare a bath and meal for you two." Turning around as Madam Lichtenbough called after her niece. "Wait a moment Madam," requested Cross promptly. "Would you like to bring the best wine you have for me?" Nodding her head lightly at the demand, the woman allowed her new guests to head toward the bath.
"Idiot Cross!" hissed the girl quietly at the man next to her as they headed toward the prepared bath. "We don't have enough money for your luxury life! Forget the wine and drink water or something," she said irritated before kicking the man with full force at his calves.
"Mama!" screamed Renge happily as she latched herself on the small figure powerfully, throwing both of them onto the hard floor. Sparking green eyes shined brightly at the small person underneath her, long platinum blond hair caressing the childish face as she hugged the girl firmly.
"Does she still call you mama?" he asked, amused at the sight before him. A few hours after a warm bath and meal, the both of them could finally bid the innkeeper good night and return to their room.
"That's not my fault!" she shouted in return while trying to push the heavy body gently away from her.
"Aren't you the one who awakened her?" After the incident two months ago, their membership expanded from two to three. Thanks to the missy, they now had an Innocence turned into a human walking around the world. "Didn't I say you shouldn't do anything? And? Did you listen to me? No." Shaking his head lightly at the girl's silliness, Cross continued, "Now look at you."
It was always fun to tease the young girl. In his opinion, the missy was too serious with everything she did that it almost hurt to look. People her age should enjoy their lives at the fullest. Good wines, money and beauty women were things that made him more that happy.
Shortly after the smaller figure managed to push the other girl aside, both of them were sitting next to each other on the soft mattress. Cuddling contently with the small figure until she was satisfied, Renge noticed the other presence in the room.
Latching herself onto the taller body she mumbled something along the line like Papa Cross while Marian playfully ruffled the golden locks. "So, did you finally notice me?" After the short greeting, Renge returned to the girl.
The missy meant the world for Renge, that was for sure. Her beloved mama. And that made him fear for them, because the thread they shared could destroyed both of them in the end. It was a mistake from the beginning, but if Cross had to be honest he didn't mind it at all. When he first met with the shorthaired girl, her eyes were empty and filled with sorrow and pain just like Allen was once before. Now she recovered and could smile once again, thanks to Renge, although it wasn't truly real. He chuckled a little as he thought about how cocky his disciple had become just like the boy he used to be before he met Mana. Allen, too, began to recover from the wound deep in his heart. Seating himself on the chair opposite from the two he looked directly at the smaller one.
"When are you going to leave?"
"Tomorrow." Clear and brief was the answer. There was nothing more to talk about. They had made the decision a long time ago.
"There is one thing I want to know," started the redhead man seriously. "Have you known from the beginning about the invasion and the Level IV?"
"Yes." Mismatched eyes closed for a while, avoiding the piercing gaze that was thrown directly . Discomfort was written across her young face, making the guilt grow larger than it already has. How could she tell something that would happen that can't be prevented? Lulubell's attack and the new developed Akuma. The consequences for interfering with the yet written events could be fatal. "But to know the future before hand wouldn't change anything at all. Not for you or for the dead members of the Black Order."
"Is that what you think?"
Not knowing what was going on Renge continued watching between her parents. Then she began to panic. 'Mama looks like she's in pain and Papa looks very mad.' Her heart started to calm down again as she felt the cool slender hand on her warmed one. "There is nothing to worry about, Renge," said her mama tenderly while looking at her with a warm, sad smile.
"I know it was wrong of me not to say anything, but what could you do if you knew about the invasion?"
Dark locks fell around her childlike face as she concentrated on the wood floor. The words she spoke was more directly towards her that anyone else. The helplessness she felt knowing the events before hand and couldn't do anything about it. How she hated this kind of feeling. It made her feel so useless.
Large hand patted the short hair lightly, feeling the softness on his dry skin. "Let's call it a day and get some rest. You're probably very tired, right Missy?" The girl was easy to read from the start. It was not hard for him to tell that she was the one who suffered the most from the bloody massacre in the old headquarters of the black order.
"Hm."
A faint smile was on her face before she took his hand from her head away and held it to her chest.
A bright sun greeted her as she prepared for her departure. Not far away Renge watched her sadly while she filled her back with necessary objects. She stood still at the doorsill and watched her companions. Then she spoke to her friends for the last time before she made her leave.
"Take care of Renge while I'm away. And Cross," she said briefly. "Finders and Exorcists might be here in London in a few days. So, I would advise you to leave as quickly as possible."
"Be careful," he called. "And don't get too attracted by the other Exorcists, Ciel."
Eyes widen a bit as she heard the man called her by that name for the first time since the incidents two months ago that changed her completely. A smile bloomed on her face as they bid farewell.
Without another word, they parted from each other towards their destination.