Ch. IX - Entr'acte
Smoke rushed by them, stinging at both pairs of eyes and coating them in a suffocating scent. Even so, they kept on until reaching high enough that the fumes dispersed and the air cooled tremendously. From their heightened vantage point, Noelle beat her wings more fully and slightly faster to hover in one spot while allowing Allen to begin searching for their foe. A piece of her worried about Agnes and the others. Even though she made sure they were in a safe place, she didn't want to leave them for long.
"Do you see it?" she questioned, glancing every which way for any sign of the akuma yet finding nothing but rising and falling embers and ash.
The exorcist scanned the area, left eye doing its best to pinpoint the location. Unfortunately the bat was moving too spasmodically to precisely locate, and the smoke from before still stung at his vision. At any rate, they didn't have to wait long until a blast streamed their way, narrowly missing as Noelle veered left. In her arms, she felt the boy stiffen at the sudden attack and shift so that his arm aimed in the beam's direction and shot yellow bullets at it. The projectiles dutifully cleared the path, but revealed little in the form of their attacker.
Noelle grimaced along with the exorcist. They didn't have time for this.
"We can't just stay here and wait for it to come out and attack. We need to go find it," Allen spoke, lowering his arm yet keeping a sharp eye out for any movement, "Do you think you can fly in and find it? I'll try to guide you as best I can."
"It's worth a shot," she nodded, folding her wings and diving swiftly into the smog.
The whole experience was rather surreal. They could feel the wind roaring past them and heat approach as flames reached up, and yet their sense of sight and hearing were reduced to almost nothing. Even when their eyes adjusted to the stinging smoke all they could see was an endless sea of reddish brown. At this rate they'd only be worse off, not just being unable to see their target, but now not knowing where it would attack next. It seemed as if going in was a mistake, but Allen's eye quickly proved such thoughts wrong.
"There!" he jerked his hand to the right and Noelle instantly followed, coming up fast on the bat-like machine.
Shifting her grip so that the exorcist could move more freely, Noelle watched in amazement as his arm transformed yet again, this time into a sword. Just how many forms could his Innocence take? And was it such a good thing? Sure, it made him adaptable, but it also had an aura that made the healer frown at the unstable implications brought on. Nevertheless it did its job justice, cutting through the surprised akuma and destroying it before long, sending an explosion ricocheting through the air.
Instinctively, Noelle wrapped her wings around them both, letting them shield against the aftermath as gravity pulled the pair further away. With still a few meters above the ground, she opened them and landed somewhat shakily but enough so that they remained on their feet. For a moment, she kept her eyes pinned on the ashen sky completely amazed that Allen managed to defeat the akuma so easily. Indeed, she was so wonderstruck that she forgot her hold on the boy.
"Noelle?" he questioned after a bit, slight notes of pink brushing his cheeks as he refrained from moving in case she was injured and needed the support.
Snapping out of her stupor, the healer's face reddened for a moment as she quickly withdrew her hands from around him and stuttered, "A-Are there any more akuma around?"
He shook his head, "No, that was the last." Noelle's features relaxed greatly as relief flooded her being, Allen continuing warmly, "Thank you. Without your help I never would have been able to destroy the akuma in time."
"Please," she gave a small smile, "What I did was small in comparison to all that you have done for Thilay. I'm the one who should be thanking you, not the other way around."
The exorcist returned the expression, too modest to verbally accept her praise. Instead he looked about only to find himself completely out-of-sorts with where they were. Fortunately the fire had begun to die down slightly in their current charred area, but what about where the children were? He hoped they were all okay.
As if reading his thoughts, Noelle began forwards to build enough momentum for flight, "I'm going to get Agnes, Lois, and Benoit. The fire still has a bit of life left in it, and, at any rate, we've all breathed in more smoke than we should have. We'll meet where the rest of the village has gathered near my house. Do you remember where it is?" When Allen nodded, she finished, "Good. Take the path to your left. It's not the quickest way, but it is the least effected by the fire."
"Alright," the boy nodded, beginning towards the path but not before watching her take flight, marveling for a bit at the beauty of her wings. Shaking away his stupor, he called, "Be safe!"
Noelle flicked her right wing in indication she heard before disappearing into the smoke.
...
Three days passed since then. While the damages caused by the fire weren't too extensive it put many out of a home and store, forcing them to take refuge in other households or camp out on Noelle's hill. From there they observed their charred town, confident that, no matter what, things would turn out for the best. The present was just a moment of change.
It wasn't the only change.
Understandably, the villagers were quite surprised to discover their healer's newly revealed trait. Indeed, for a moment she began to reconsider showing them when so much had already happened. However, as with the three before, the rest welcomed her with open hearts, tears being shed for the mere fact that they all survived. Indeed, it was a remarkable feat. Not one person had died.
The remaining two days were spent helping with the beginning, toughest part of rebuilding of which Allen's help was greatly appreciated in carrying the heavier loads to the amazement of his fellow laborers. Noelle, meanwhile, spent her time helping those who lost their homes adjust for the moment; providing checkups and food to any in need. It was busy work, but she valued it in that the looming departure was clouded. The elders and parents of the village discussed and brought together what they could to support her for when the day came, but the topic failed to show up when it came to the healer and children. Nevertheless, when the sun dawned on the third day, she was fully packed and prepared to depart having said her goodbyes to the majority of the village and children, wishing each good fortune for til they meet again.
"Safe journey, Noelle-sama," Lois' mother smiled warmly, handing her a basket, "Here, I put in extra apple tarts since I know they're your favorite. Oh, and some other treats for Allen-sama as well. Make sure not to eat them all at once or you'll get a stomach ache."
"I will, thank you Fontaine-san," the girl embraced the mother, squeezing tight to make up for the long time that stood between the next one. Fontaine didn't mind in the slightest, hugging back with just as much vigor and tears in her eyes.
Allen gave a small smile. He knew this was all hard on Noelle. Saying goodbye to her beloved family in Thilay, knowing that they might never see each other again... His own heart twisted from the farewells he already made to some of the children and villagers. All in all, the exorcist hoped to return one day, even if it just meant passing through.
At last the two released each other, allowing the final villager to approach with his own goodbye. Noelle sniffed, wiping away the forming tears as her master placed a gentle hand on her shoulder, "I will miss you, Noelle, but it's high time you start walking forwards. While I'll always want you to stay, I know it will only hold you back from achieving incredible things in the world."
"Bonfatis-sama…"
The elderly man smiled, unparalleled joy and pride welling in his gaze, "I know you will grow into an extraordinary exorcist, both of you," he glanced between the two, "Just remember, the path to greatness is rarely easy, and in order to gain something you must first lose something. In the end, it's up to you to decide if it's worth the cost or not."
"Bonfatis-sama," Noelle spoke, worry flashing through her eyes, "Will you be alright? There were still some patients left from the fire and Harriet-san's family needs extra food and-"
"It's alright Noelle," he chuckled, "I may be older than when we first met, but I still have some spirit left in me. Besides," he glanced back to where the children watched with teary eyes and ruddy noses, "Benoit has proven to be a quick learner these past few days. If he so wishes, I will take him on as an apprentice."
"That's wonderful!" the girl beamed, happy to have a fellow student.
"Yes, yes. Now you better start heading out. It's a long way to Chareleville; you'll need all the time you can get to catch the next train," Bonfatis instructed calmly.
In the next second he was engulfed by the girl's embrace, startled only for a moment before lovingly stroking the back of her head and murmuring a few words of encouragement when Noelle's body shook. She didn't want to leave. Not now, not yet. While her master's words rang true, she would miss everyone terribly. Bonfatis picked up on this, and gave her as tight a squeeze as his old bones were capable of.
"I'll be waiting for your return. No matter what, I will wait for you. Even if it takes years and I have to lie in a stinky bed for half of them," he murmured, "So don't worry. Change is natural, but we shall never forget you, Noelle."
"I won't forget you either," she sniffled, finally pulling away to look at everyone, "I won't forget any of you. Not in a million years!"
"G-Goodbye Noelle-sama!" Lois sniffled, barely managing to keep the brunt of his tears from streaming down his face. Beside him, Kylie's battle was long lost, hiccups occasionally jerking through her small frame. Further down, Benoit and Agnes waved with the other children, "Bye Noelle-sama, Allen-sama! Come back to visit, alright? You promised, so you have to come back!"
The two smiled, waving back at them before finally stepping out of the village and onto the path towards Chareleville. Noelle wiped away the tears in her eyes, holding onto the hope of reunion to get her through the first few hours. A hand rested on her shoulder, and she glanced to see Allen give her a sympathetic smile.
"Ready?"
Noelle nodded, ready to see what her new life as an exorcist had in store.
...
Rhythmic tapping of wheels racing over worn tracks and low thumps of carts shifting in the wind nearly lulled Noelle asleep from where she sat across Allen. Indeed, her face bore the beginnings of weariness, but a boundless curiosity ignited her being. Eyes sparkling, she gazed out the window at the blurry scenery.
For his part, Allen gave a slightly amused smile as he observed the girl's newfound excitement – demeanor transforming into something more of her actual age than previously seen. And why not? According to Noelle she never ventured out of Thilay and her hometown, Nevers, before. Trip between the two aside of course. Therefore it was only natural she'd react with such excitement and glee.
"Look, look!" she beamed, eyes frantically darting between the window and boy, "Have you ever seen a lake that big?"
"Not for some time," Allen chuckled. He wondered what her reaction would be when they reached the ocean. If a smaller lake brought about this level of excitement, she'd be over the moon: an emotion that was slowly infecting the exorcist and invigorating what, at first glimpse, would have been a normal trip back.
However, while he valued her luminous smile, the reason behind her previous isolation darkened Allen's reciprocal expression. To be confined for so long fearing that the simplest journey outside would get her killed. To be hunted down for years, and by the Millennium Earl nonetheless. Sure, their enemy in all likelihood forgot about her or, at the least, pushed the predicament the girl posed to the back burner, but that did little to calm her fears and let her live her life. The exorcist frowned. He could only imagine what Noelle had gone through to get to where she currently was now.
"Allen?"
The named blinked up, noting the girl's azure eyes finally pulled away from the window and directed at him in a concerned manner, silently asking if he was feeling alright. Allen shook away the thoughts and responded, "I'm alright. I was just thinking about how excited everyone will be to meet you."
A small smile drifted onto her features as Noelle swept her feet forwards and plopped down on the seat across from him, "Yeah, I'm excited to see them too. You always seem to brighten up when you talk about them, so I can only assume the best."
Allen chuckled, "Well they're not exactly perfect or what I would call normal, but that's just family I suppose."
The blissful expression on the girl's face brightened slightly in agreement before fading. Noting this, Allen' smile diminished slightly as he watched in silence as she turned her gaze outwards once more, a hand drifting up to grip the small red scarf around her neck. This time no trait of wonder or awe was present, only a deep sense of introspection as she began, "I guess it's time I told you about my meeting with the Earl, huh? Better now that we have some time than later when things may get a little busy."
"You don't have to force yourself," he calmly replied despite the curiosity rebelling inside, "I understand that it is a troubling memory for you, so if you feel uncomfortable…"
Noelle shook her head, promptly dismissing his offer, "No, I gave you my word I'd tell you. Besides, it may turn out a little therapeutic. I've kept it in so long that I forgot to let go. Perhaps telling you and letting it out will help me move on."
"Very well," Allen responded, shifting to get in a more comfortable position, "If you believe that, then I will as well."
The girl nodded before taking a breath and beginning her tale. Through it all she remained remarkably collected, only faltering upon the deaths of her parents and priest who was the first to take her in. She blushed slightly when recalling her ironic nickname for the Earl, and Allen couldn't help but give a small laugh at her innocence; adding a comment on her bravery to face their enemy at such a young age. Noelle blushed at his praise, choosing to finish the remainder of the story quickly to avoid any further reddening of her cheeks.
"So that's my story," she concluded, stretching and grabbing an apple tart. Biting into it, Noelle suppressed a yawn, surprised to find herself so tired. Apparently the weight of the past was far heavier than she first imagined, and now with it gone, or at least chipped away, she didn't have to put as much energy into staying awake as before. The girl smiled, it was a nice feeling.
It wasn't long before she passed out, curled up on the bench across from Allen, who let his coat serve as a blanket to keep her warm. Such a peaceful expression… He hoped it would last a while longer, knowing that eventually the stresses of battle and being an exorcist would test it. Nevertheless, she held great promise in rising out victorious. After all, she managed to reject the greatest temptation of all, and at the age of eight nonetheless. It was a feat not even he had accomplished, and a part of the boy envied her for it. To have such a strong will…Noelle truly was something special.
Turning his eyes out the window at the blurred scenery rushing by, Allen let his thoughts drift back and forth between his own treasured past and the future that lay in store for both him and the healer of Thilay.
Alright, I got the chapter up, whoo hoo, hoopla, flags of success. Now to go to bed. Will probably edit this a bit for spelling and such in the morning. Nighty night everyone.
Edit: Gah, crappy filler chapter. Hope you all weren't too disappointed/confused that I jumped around a lot and went pretty fast through the rebuilding and farewells. I passed over the ones given by the children because there'd be a ton of repeating, but if you all think I should add it in, then by all means ask and you shall receive. AS for Noelle's train story, you all know it so that shouldn't be much of a problem.
Next up: the Black Order
God bless,
Em
